Junior libero Kori Moster bumps the ball Nov. 1, 2013, during the game against Ohio State at Jenison Field House. The Spartans defeated the Buckeyes, 3-0. Julia Nagy/The State News
Since becoming a member of the MSU volleyball team, junior libero Kori Moster knew she wanted to leave her mark on the program.
In her three years as a Spartan, her impact has been considerable. In addition to strong leadership, the co-captain has entered her name into Spartan lore.
Last Friday during the 3-1 win over Northwestern, Moster became the all-time digs leader in the history of the MSU volleyball program.
Moster now ranks 22nd all-time in the Big Ten in digs with 1,516.
“Kori has been amazing in her time here, not only as a player, but as a leader and competitor,” head coach Cathy George said. “She’s been a main part of this team and has made an impact since game one.”
Moster said beyond the accomplishment, she’s proud of the growth she’s seen in the program since she joined.
“As a byproduct, we’ve become higher in the Big Ten,” Moster said. “We’ve made it further in the tournament. But the root of it all is how we interact with each other. You come in the gym and you see each person working hard for the rest of the team to be better. That transfers onto the court, how we play and the talent level that we have.”
Senior setter and co-captain Kristen Kelsay said though Moster might not always receive the credit she deserves, she’s the engine that keeps the team running.
“She’s libero, and she does the dirty work. She doesn’t always get the kill,” Kelsay said. “But she’s done a lot for this team, and just being a leader out there on the court at all times for us is something she excels at and she makes everyone around her better.”
At the beginning of the season, Moster established that an extended postseason run is the expectation this year.
For that goal to become reality, the No. 16 Spartans (19-7 overall, 8-6 Big Ten) will have to continue to succeed the regular season as they prepare for a road trip against No. 9 Nebraska and Iowa this weekend.
MSU defeated Nebraska at home on Oct. 12, 3-1. But with a 2-6 Big Ten record over the last four weeks, the Spartans will face a challenge as the Cornhuskers seek revenge on their home floor.
“We’re capable of doing so many great things,” Moster said on the Spartans attempting to get back on track. “Doing those things consistently is what’s going to take us to the next level, especially when you’re playing a team like Nebraska that is going to try to exploit every weakness that you have.”
MSU will play Nebraska on Friday at 8 p.m. and Iowa on Saturday at 8 p.m.
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