The MSU volleyball team has been a capable blocking team all season long.
It wasn't until the past four matches that the Spartans really have became consistent in their blocking. MSU has had no less than 12 blocks in each of those matches.
"We are starting to block a little bit better," head coach Chuck Erbe said. "I think our best blocker is Brooke Langston; she's doing a great job for us on the right side. (Nikki) Colson's doing a good job, Jenny Rood is blocking better and Megan Wallin is starting to get more block assists for us."
The four players Erbe mentions combined for nine blocks against Indiana and 10 blocks against Purdue, Michigan and Wisconsin. Junior outside hitters Kim Schram and Sara Villwock have done their share as well, especially against U-M, where the two left-side players combined for six blocks.
Not only has the blocking been scoring points for the Spartans, but it has helped their defense out as well.
"If we block well, our defense is going to be better because the areas of the court are easier to defend behind the block," Erbe said. "If the block is porous and ill-formed, it makes defense behind the block very difficult.
"Right now, our block is better organized and our middles are making their reads better and faster."
MSU credits its more consistent serving as the reason why its blocking has been much better over the past two weeks. The Spartans finally are near the three blocks per-game average that Erbe challenged them to meet earlier in the season.
"I think most of our blocking getting better is due to our serving getting better," sophomore outside hitter Langston said. "We're able to read where the ball is going to be set before it gets there."
Top 26
The MSU volleyball team remained on the outside looking in as far as the USA Today/AVCA Division I Coaches Poll is concerned.
It is the third straight Monday the Spartans have seen their name in the "others receiving votes" category. MSU (17-7 overall, 9-5 Big Ten) garnered 119 votes, but fell 42 votes shy of tying the No. 25 position, which is held by Illinois.
The Spartans should get back into the top 25 next week if they can win two road matches over Ohio State and No. 16 Penn State.
