It's the most exciting time of the year for the MSU volleyball team, and it has nothing to do with the fact that there is one week left in the fall semester.
The Spartans (19-11) are gearing up for a run at the volleyball national championship beginning with a contest against George Mason (22-7) at 4 p.m. Saturday in South Bend, Ind.
The Patriots were invited to the tournament after winning the Colonial Athletic Association Championship. George Mason enters the match riding a seven-game win streak and has been victorious in nine of its last 10 matches.
One of the main reasons for the Patriots success can be attributed to Aline Pereira. The outside hitter and two-time conference player of the year tops the nation with 6.64 kills per game, 711 total. That number is nearly 300 more than the Spartans' leader, sophomore hitter Kim Schram's 414.
"There is no doubt where the ball is going to go," MSU head coach Chuck Erbe said. "We just have to be ready."
Schram agreed George Mason, though not a national powerhouse, is an interesting matchup.
"They will be a quick and defensive team and we need to utilize our size and blocking potential," Schram said. "Statistically, they are very strong serving with some of them having over 50 aces this season, which is incredible."
Aside from George Mason, Notre Dame (23-7) and College of Charleston (29-5) are possible second round opponents, assuming the Spartans win in round one. College of Charleston heads into the tournament riding a 22-game winning streak, which is the second longest in the nation.
The Fighting Irish claimed both the Big East regular season and Tournament championships to earn a hosting spot.
The Spartans and Fighting Irish were also in the same four-team bracket last season. MSU knocked off Notre Dame in four games in the first round.
"I think there is a little bit of revenge on their part," senior middle Angela Morley said. "But we're just going to try and get two wins no matter what."
Schram agreed two wins are the goal, but she thinks the team can make a magical run.
"All we can expect is to have a full team effort in every game we are able to play," Schram said. "If we play the way we are capable of and like the dominant team we have proven to be at times this season, I think the sky is the limit."
