After going all season without losing two matches in a weekend, the MSU volleyball team was swept for the first time by Northwestern and Illinois this past weekend.
The Spartans (19-11 overall, 11-9 Big Ten) were hoping to win at least one match before heading into the NCAA Tournament, but were unable to accomplish their goal.
On Sunday evening, the Spartans found out they will host the first and second round of the NCAATournament. MSUwill play Dayton in the first round. The winner of that match will play either No. 9 Nebraska or Valpariaso. The date and times have yet to be decided.
"We're definitely very surprised that we are hosting,"senior setter Nikki Colson said. "It will be nice to have the same routine, be able to be in your own bed for the first couple of nights."
Numerous injuries and that Northwestern (18-14, 9-11) has a worse record than Illinois had MSU focused for its Friday match. But the Wildcats were more focused down the stretch, beating the Spartans, 30-28, 31-29 and 30-28.
The Spartans were tied 28-28 at the end of each game, but allowed Northwestern to win all three games with serve and pass errors. MSU had 19 serve and pass errors for the match, which turned out to be the difference at the end of each game.
"If we reduce those errors, then there is a different outcome," Erbe said. "In rally scoring, you have to control serve and pass and we didn't on Friday."
Junior outside hitter Kim Schram led the way for MSU, posting a double-double, with 18 kills and 10 digs. On Saturday, the Spartans traveled south to Urbana-Champaign, Ill., to face second-place Illinois (24-6, 15-5), on the Fighting Illini's senior night. Erbe knew it would be a tough task to take out the Illini, especially with the season they are having.
Illinois beat MSU 30-18, 31-29 and 30-27 to secure a tie for second place with Minnesota. Despite the loss, Erbe was happy with the team's effort and competitiveness in games two and three.
The Spartans still are dealing with injury troubles that have affected their play during the last three weeks, culminating in the two losses this weekend.
"The injuries impact the level the players can play at," Erbe said. "We're doing the best that we can right now."
