It was close but no cigar for the volleyball team on Friday night.
MSU (12-8 overall, 5-4 Big Ten) pushed No. 20 Ohio State (15-6 overall, 6-3 Big Ten) to five sets but could not finish the job in Columbus, losing 2-3 (20-25, 25-14, 20-25, 25-14, 6-15).
The loss snapped MSU's three-game winning streak.
The Buckeyes drew first blood, taking a commanding 8-1 lead in the opening set.
Despite a 5-0 run by MSU to cut the deficit to two points, 16-18, the Buckeyes were able to hold on and win the set, 25-20.
When the score was tied up at five in the second set, MSU went on a 7-0 run and never looked back. The Spartans were aided by three straight Buckeye errors to end the set.
The third set was back and forth, MSU kept it close only trailing by one point, 18-19. However, OSU closed it out with a 6-2 run to win the game.
It was all MSU in the fourth set. The Buckeyes led briefly when the score was 5-4 but the Spartans took the lead soon after and never relinquished it. MSU won the set, 25-14.
The Spartans were able to force a fifth set but could not bring it home. OSU closed out the game with an 8-0 run en route to a 15-6 set win.
Sophomore outside hitter Chloe Reinig was a dig away from a double-double, finishing with 13 kills and nine digs. Freshman setter Rachel Minarick led the team with 34 assists. Senior libero and team captain Kori Moster had a game high 22 digs.
MSU is back in action tomorrow on the road against No. 7 Penn State.
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