“We got to continue to improve our depth and get ready to use people in a pinch.” George said of her team, which used a balance attack on Saturday to defeat Iowa.

MSU went deep into the bench against the Hawkeyes as 12 different players saw playing time.

Out of the 12 Spartans who saw action, seven recorded at least three kills and eight recorded at least one dig.

“When those players execute, it’s great for us,” senior libero and co-captain Kori Moster said. “In tough clutch situations we can keep them available because everybody is clicking on different cylinders.”

Freshman setter Rachel Minarick has been more than “clutch” for the Spartans this season.

As the season has progressed, so has Minarick’s role. The Naperville, Ill. native has not only set others up in the traditional role of the setter, but has created for herself.

“I love the fact that she is very athletic,” George said. “She can be a player at the net.”

The dual threat freshman’s skills were on display against Iowa, Minarick finished with a game-high .714 hitting percentage, five kills and 39 assists.

“A lot of teams have to watch out for her with their blocking.” George said. “It helps out our offense get going.”

The balance scoring attack against the Hawkeyes could be credited to the play of Minarick.

“I think that everyone pitched in tonight,” freshman middle blocker Alyssa Garvelink said after Saturday’s win. “It’s easier for Rachel to feed balls too, it just gets everything going.”

Garvelink has been a beneficiary of Minarick’s stellar play, totaling 39 kills in the last four games, which is good for her best total in a four game span all season.