By Ben Everett | Sports Writer
Baylor volleyball earned a 3-0 win over No. 20-ranked Iowa State on Wednesday at Hilton Coliseum in Ames, Ia., 25-19, 25-20, 25-14.
The Bears (14-4, 4-1) shut out the Cyclones (11-3, 2-2) in Ames for the first time since 2001.
Despite senior preseason All-Big 12 outside hitter Katie Staiger converting just five kills on 24 attempts, the Bears came away with a dominant win.
Baylor head coach Ryan McGuyre said the team showed great poise winning on the road, despite an off night from arguably their best player.
“Great maturity from us tonight, great composure,” McGuyre said. “I felt like we were in control the entire night. For Katie to hit negative and for us to control the match is awesome. Last year if Katie hits negative we don’t win.”
Sophomore middle hitter Shelly Fanning led the way for Baylor with 14 kills and two blocks while freshman setter Hannah Lockin contributed with 37 assists and 11 digs.
McGuyre was impressed by Lockin’s play, saying she is playing as well as anyone despite being a freshman.
“What a beautiful match from Hannah Lockin,” McGuyre said. “She’s one of the best setters in the country right now.”
Iowa State was led by senior setter Monique Harris who recorded 17 assists and 10 digs, but junior outside hitter Jess Schaben was the only Cyclone to break double digit kills with 10.
The Bears jumped out to a 15-10 lead at the media timeout in the first set and led 20-13 before Iowa State called a timeout to regroup.
The Cyclones could not put together a comeback with Baylor taking the first set 25-19 behind five kills from Fanning.
Iowa State took a 6-5 lead early in the second set, but Baylor rallied to take a 15-13 lead at the media timeout.
Fanning recorded back-to-back kills to give the Bears a 17-13 lead, forcing the Cyclones to call another timeout.
The Cyclones closed the gap slightly, but Baylor pulled away and clinched the set at 25-20 when Harris served it long.
In the third set, the Bears looked determined to close out the road win, taking a 15-7 lead into the media timeout.
Junior outside hitter Aniah Philo closed out the set with an ace as the Bears took the third set in dominant fashion.
The win marks the first time since the 2004 and 2005 seasons that Baylor has won two straight matches in Ames having won a five-set thriller on the road last season.
With this win, the Bears moved to 4-14 against ranked opponents under McGuyre.
The Bears look to keep the momentum going against West Virginia at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Ferrell Center.
