MSU went into the game undefeated through the first two games for the first time in program history. On the opposing end, the Huskies went into this conference showdown winning eight straight sets. 

MSU head coach Kristen Kelsay expressed that execution is a crucial part of why the Spartans couldn’t come through in their first conference matchup. 

“We just have to execute a little bit,” Kelsay said. "When we broke down in passing, when we weren’t able to stay in system, it was tough for us.” 

Friday’s contest began highly contested, with MSU senior outside hitter Alanna Bankston instantly picking up a kill. But Washington responded with one of its own. Washington jumped to an early 7-5 lead, with the rest of the first set staying tightly contested. Though MSU hung for the majority of the first set, Washington snuck away with a tenacious offense, winning 25-22.  

The next set was less competitive between the two teams, with Washington coming out on top 25-13. At one point in the set, MSU trailed by nine, with Bankston and junior middle blocker Carmen Waye putting forth their best efforts to stop the bleeding, but it wasn't enough. Washington's deflating digs and second-year outside hitter Maija Howse gave the Spartans trouble as Howse racked up multiple kills in the set. 

After the teams came back from the tunnel to start the third set, Washington led 3-0. However, MSU would embark on a comeback rally thanks to offensive efforts from Bankston and senior middle blocker Zora Hardison. Eventually, the Huskies fell apart with a service error that gave the 25-16 set to MSU. 

Though MSU was able to make an incredible rally to take the third set, their comeback efforts were denied by Washington in the fourth. Washington picked up right back where they started in the first two sets, with relentless digs and third-year middle blocker Julia Hunt going on an offensive onslaught, propelling the Huskies towards the win. The game ended on a service error from Michigan State to push the fourth set to 25-13.

Washington’s record now sits at 10-0 after the victory, handing MSU, 10-1, its first loss of the season. Now that the Big Ten schedule is officially underway for MSU volleyball after the game, head coach Kelsay said which areas she needs to see improvement in.

“It was the first match we struggled offensively”, Kelsay said. “And so that was a little jarring for us; I think we didn’t respond to that as well as I would have liked. And so, I think against Penn State, against another formidable block, we’ve got to be able to score offensively.” 

MSU will host No. 14 Penn State at Breslin Center at 2 p.m. on Sunday; the game will be broadcast on Big Ten Network.