Junior middle blocker Vanessa King and freshman outside hitter Becca Zlabis attempt to block Wisconsin’s Katherine Dykstra’s hit Saturday evening during the second match at Jenison Field House. The Spartans lost three straight matches to the Badgers.
—The MSU volleyball team suffered its first home loss of the season on Saturday, getting swept 3-0 by No. 21 Wisconsin.
“I thought we were playing fairly well at times but we didn’t kick it in at the right times,” head coach Cathy George said. “We have to learn how to close things out.”
The Spartans (11-6 overall, 3-3 Big Ten) were swept by a ranked team for the second straight time after swept by No. 1 Penn State on Oct. 4.
The opening set was back and forth early with the Badgers holding a 14-13 edge about halfway through. But Wisconsin (14-4, 4-2) broke free with an 8-3 run and eventually took the first set 25-21.
The second set was the strongest for the Spartans. It also went back and forth early but the Spartans took their first lead at 14-13. Wisconsin then took a 24-22 lead and was looking to take a two set lead, but the Spartans fought back and tied it at 24. However, the Badgers took the next two points and the set.
“We know we can play with (ranked teams),” freshman setter Natalie Emro said. “Obviously when it was 26-24, we know we can pull out that game.”
Emro had 35 of the team’s 37 assists for the match.
The third set was competitive again, but the Spartans were a step behind. Wisconsin led by three early and held the lead for most of the set. The Spartans clawed back to tie it at 21, but Wisconsin shut the door, rattling off four straight points to complete the sweep.
“We need to know what it takes to beat these types of teams,” George said. “It’s important to face them, to challenge yourself, to see what you need to do and then apply yourself.”
The young Spartans team is gaining experience and can learn from playing the top teams in the country.
“All we have to do is mentally prepare better and pull through at the end,” Emro said.
Emro has played every set as a true freshman and ranks fourth in the Big Ten in assists.
“Not many centers have the physical capabilities of Natalie,” George said. “When she puts it all together, our team is totally in sync.”
Emro had nine blocks Friday against Northwestern, a 3-2 MSU win.
The Spartans are now tied with Michigan for fifth in the Big Ten.
MSU will have an opportunity to play another ranked team next weekend as they play at both No. 12 Minnesota and Iowa next weekend.
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