“Maybe our most complete match from start to finish,” Spartan head coach Kristen Kelsay said. “From the scouting report, executing the scouting report, to our service pressure, 12 blocks in four sets. You know, I think it was just a complete match, and I’m really proud of our group for responding great to a really good opponent, who put a lot of pressure — especially after that third set — to come out and take control in the fourth was awesome.” 

Kelsay’s squad remains undefeated, 9-0. 

The Green and White trailed for the first time in the match early in the third set, down 8-7. Despite retaking the lead, the Falcons dominated the net with three kills in a row, prompting Kelsay to call a timeout to adjust to Bowling Green’s changing lineup. The set remained close and was knotted at 24-24 until the Falcons pulled away behind their veteran — senior opposite hitter Lauren Hovey — who ended it 26-24 with a kill followed by an ace.

In the final set, the Spartans continued to execute what they do best: team volleyball. 

Each set was close at times, but MSU’s depth allowed them to capitalize in different situations as different players stepped up for kills and blocks. 

Redshirt freshman setter Malayah Long dished out 36 assists, and the team combined for 51 blocks — with junior outside hitter Karolina Staniszewska tallying 14 and freshman outside hitter Bianca Mumcular adding 12. In the fourth set, big-time blocks by senior opposite hitter Evie Doezema, sophomore middle blocker Carmen Waye and Staniszewska helped seal the deal, 25-16.

 “We're going to need everybody,” Kelsay said. “I thought [Long] did a really good job of distributing tonight, that our middles had combined for some of their most kills that we've had, both of our left sides had a really, really strong night with 26 combined kills. So when we pass well, right, we were able to have that balance on our offense.” 

The Spartans will play their third match in three days on Sept. 20, finishing up the Kathy DeBoer Invitational against the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Cougars at 6 p.m.