“Looking back, there’s so many instances where we gave them points,” said junior libero Kori Moster. “We talk about keeping our offense fast, balanced, controlling that first contact. Those are things we need to get back to.”

With a record crowd present, the Spartans won the first set, 25-20. However, Michigan bounced back to win the next three, and each set was won by a margin no larger than three.

It was a loss marked by inconsistency and mistakes with the ball — MSU had 18 serving errors alone. Coming off a “good” loss against No. 11 Minnesota last Saturday, the Spartans hope to continue the competitiveness displayed in the 3-1 loss versus the Gophers.

“When we’ve served tough, it’s put us in good position,” said senior setter Kristen Kelsay. “There’s a line there between making errors and serving tough. Being able to focus on what we are doing well, and the way we played Saturday night, the intangible things, I think that’s going to be important for us.”

A 9-9 .500 conference record isn’t what MSU envisioned after toppling No. 2 Penn State in the opening match of Big Ten play en route to winning six straight to begin the conference schedule. But with two games this week, there’s a chance at closing the season with some momentum.

By defeating Michigan and No. 20 Purdue on Saturday, the Spartans would finish 11-9 in conference play, matching last year’s record.

“I think every team in the Big Ten is working to do that and get themselves soem position to make a run in the NCAA Tournament,” said head coach Cathy George. “We want to definitely finish strong. We feel our team is a team that can do a lot of damage.”

The NCAA selection show is scheduled to take place next Sunday, Dec. 1. Two wins to close out conference season could possibly lead to a more favorable tournament position. Purdue is coming off of a huge win over No. 10 Nebraska. That momentum, along with the Boilers celebrating Senior Night, are two things MSU will contend with as the regular season comes to an end.

“They returned a lot of starters from last year’s team and they have a lot of talent,” George said. “They’re goign to say goodbye to four or five seniors on that night, on senior night. Very talented. It’s important we go in there with the right mindset, and we’re coming in there to do business.”