Kansas University’s volleyball team might have been deceived by Iowa State’s 0-6 Big 12 Conference mark heading into Wednesday’s match in Horejsi Center.

KU won the match 3-1 (31-29, 30-16, 25-30, 30-23), but had it not been for an impressive run in the first game, the outcome could have been worse.

“I think they caught us on our heels a little bit,” senior Jennifer Kraft said of the opening game.

The Cyclones (9-9 overall, 0-7 Big 12), fueled by several key blocks on the front line, jumped to a 28-21 lead in the first game. It took a 10-1 KU run to overcome Iowa State and take a 1-0 lead.

“We knew they were going to be a physical bunch,” coach Ray Bechard said. “We knew they were going to create issues for us. It’s one of the better blocking teams we’ve seen to this point.”

Iowa State got the best of Kansas (13-2, 4-2) in game three, holding tight with the Jayhawks and pulling away late. It was the first game KU has lost at home this season.

“At home, you get comfortable,” Bechard said. “You think a little lead is safe because of the friendly confines and the volleyball gods that live here in (Horejsi). When you start counting on that kind of thing, you start getting in trouble.”

Kansas eventually clinched the match in game four, despite trailing halfway. Behind an abundance of digs and eight service aces, KU improved to 7-0 at home this season.

Kraft had five aces, bringing her career mark within one of KU’s all-time record. Julie Woodruff tops the list, compiling 134 aces from 1988-91.

“They came at key times, too,” Bechard said of Kraft’s aces on Wednesday. “Not only did she have five aces, but a lot of those serves took them out of what they wanted to do offensively.”

Kraft claims she’s not keeping track, though. The senior could break the record Saturday when Kansas plays host to Baylor, but says she’d rather see a team victory than an individual achievement.

“It’s not that big of a deal,” she said. “My team’s important, not me.”