The MSU volleyball team is where it always seems to be at this point of the season - in the middle of the pack.
The Spartans are 5-5 in conference play, tied for sixth with Purdue, right about where they have been the past couple of seasons. MSU was 6-4 at the midway point a season ago and 4-6 two seasons ago.
Two years ago, MSU went on to finish 13-7, going on a five-match win streak, losing and then closing out the season with a four-match win streak. If it weren't for three losses to Wisconsin, including one in the NCAA Tournament, MSU could have had one of its better seasons of all time.
Last season, MSU did make it to the Sweet 16, but it didn't come easy. The Spartans were 8-8 in conference and only 16-10 overall before winning three of their past four to close out the season. They carried the momentum to South Bend, Ind., where they beat George Mason and Notre Dame. MSU's season came to a quick end when they ran into eventual national champion Southern California.
What will the outcome be this season?
"I have full confidence and believe our team will make a run and finish in the top half of the Big Ten," sophomore middle Megan Wallin said.
With no lack of confidence, the Spartans are ready to do what it takes to finish the season strong and be a factor in the NCAA tournament.
"It's our go-to," senior libero and co-captain Emmy Miller said of the season's second half. "We make the desperate run at the end. We've done it before, and I'm sure we'll do it again."
MSU returns home this weekend to help kick off the second half of the Big Ten season. The Spartans will square off against Indiana 7 p.m. Friday and against Purdue at 8 p.m. Saturday. The problem is the home court has not been an advantage for the Spartans.
"This is a very critical point in the season right now," head coach Chuck Erbe said. "These are two matches we need to win."
The Spartans are only 3-3 at home this season with losses to No. 17 Penn State (3-2), Michigan (3-0) and No. 25 Illinois (3-0). MSU did not play a home match in the nonconference, something which might becoming back to hurt them.
All the troubles at home will be forgotten if the Spartans not only win two home games this weekend but go on to their 10th straight NCAA Tournament appearance in December.
