In its first of two matchups this season, the MSU volleyball team fell, 3-1, to No. 15
Michigan on Wednesday night at Cliff Keen Arena in Ann Arbor. The Spartans (10-8 overall, 2-5 Big Ten) will have another shot at the Wolverines (17-2, 6-1) on Nov. 24 when the two teams play at Breslin Center.
After allowing U-M to take the first two sets 25-23 and 25-20, the Spartans stayed strong to keep themselves in the match. They controlled and won the third set by a narrow 27-25 margin.
Despite remaining competitive with the Wolverines and keeping control for most of
the fourth set, the Spartans gave up the set point on a service ace from Wolverine All-
American setter Lexi Zimmerman.
Leading MSU’s attack was junior outside hitters Jenilee Rathje and Kyndra Abron, who
posted 15 and 12 kills, respectively, in the four games. Junior setter Natalie Emro and
freshman setter Kristen Kelsay set the stage for their hitters, each recording 26 assists.
Defensively, senior libero Allyson Karaba’s return to the court was evident with her 17
digs, and junior outside hitter Becca Zlabis added 13. However, the team as a whole had
17 unforced errors, compared to the Wolverines’ 11.
U-M proved to be unstoppable with the combination of Zimmerman and outside hitter
Alex Hunt. Zimmerman put up 38 assists for the Wolverines’ attack, and Hunt led with
21 kills.
The Spartans continue their Big Ten season on Saturday when they host No. 20
Northwestern at 6:30 p.m. at Jenison Field House.
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