If not for the opposing jerseys, a larger crowd and traces of blue and maize, Friday night at the Breslin Center could have looked like any other match.
The Michigan State University women’s volleyball team returned to the Breslin to host rival Michigan – sweeping the Wolverines to give head coach Kristen Kelsay her first Big Ten conference win as head coach.
At first glance, it was another rivalry game — and it was — but for Kelsay’s squad, it was also a chance to rebound after Thursday’s conference-opening loss to No. 12 Minnesota.
The Spartans came out sharp, taking the first set 25-14 before racing to a 10-2 lead in the second. Michigan clawed back, forcing Kelsay to call timeout.
"I told them, ‘Hey, we get another opportunity,’" Kelsay said. "‘On Thursday night, we didn't handle this, right? We had a 17-11 lead, and we lost the set. So this is an opportunity to respond.’"
Michigan State answered, though the Wolverines kept pace. The set was tied multiple times, including at 21-21.
Sophomore middle blocker Carmen Waye delivered back-to-back kills to push MSU ahead 23-21. After Michigan earned a point, a kill from junior outside hitter Karolina Staniszewska and a mishandled Wolverine reception off her serve sealed the 25-22 win.
The third set’s tight contest was dominated by Spartan freshman outside hitter Bianca Mumcular. Mumcular recorded nine kills in the final set of the match, including the game winner to earn Michigan State the 25-21 set win, and the sweep.
Each set of the match was representative of the identity that the Spartans have built this season: Errors challenge them to respond. They thrive off depth. They know how to win close games.
After the game both Mumcular and Kelsay talked about playing to the team values and cleaning up errors within a two-day turnaround. Mumcular added that the Breslin’s atmosphere contributed to the night’s win.
"During the times that we were down, having these cheerleaders, family, friends, everyone was here," Mumcular said. "Everyone knew about this game, and they all came out to support us against our rival team, our in-state rival team. And honestly, they brought a ton of energy, and they kept us on our feet."
Mumcular led all players with 15 kills, while Staniszewska added 13 and Waye chipped in nine. Redshirt freshman setter Malayah Long tallied 36 assists.
Michigan State will look for its second Big Ten win on the road against Northwestern on Friday, Oct. 3 at 8 p.m. EST.
Support student media! Please consider donating to The State News and help fund the future of journalism.
