For the second straight weekend, the MSU volleyball team was defeated in both of its away matches, this time falling 3-0 to both Wisconsin on Friday and No. 6 Illinois on Saturday. The Spartans (11-12 overall, 3-9 Big Ten) have lost eight of their last 10 matches.
Against Wisconsin, MSU pushed the Badgers (14-9, 3-9) past the 25-point mark before ultimately losing the first set 30-28. Wisconsin closed out the match in the second and third sets 25-20 and 25-16, respectively.
As the only player with double-digit kills, junior outside hitter Jenilee Rathje led the Spartans’ attack with 10 kills, and junior outside hitter Becca Zlabis was behind her with eight.
Senior libero Allyson Karaba led the defense with 21 digs.
With a quick turnover for the next match of the weekend, MSU was defeated by the Fighting Illini (20-3, 12-1) in the first set 25-19, the second 25-17 and the final set 25-20.
Rathje and Zlabis took charge of the offense again, putting down 15 and 11 kills, respectively. With her 14 digs, Zlabis earned her sixth double-double of the season.
Freshman setter Kristen Kelsay put up 22 assists, while senior setter Nicole Peter added 14. Illinois hit .277 on the night, compared to .161 for the Spartans.
The Fighting Illini also topped MSU in total team blocks (9-5). Junior defensive specialist Carli Weiler led the Spartans’ defense with 10 digs.
MSU’s next match is at 6:30 p.m. Friday, when it hosts Ohio State at Jenison Field House.
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