After playing in only seven of the Spartans' first 29 games this season, sophomore middle Brooke Langston was itching for more playing time.Unlikely performances against No.
The MSU volleyball team isn't playing for individual accolades this season, but when someone is performing as well as senior setter Nikki Colson has been, those honors just happen.Colson, a three-year captain from Lincoln, Neb., not only was named Big Ten Player of the Week but also was named AVCA National Player of the Week after her MVP weekend in Washington, D.C., at the American Volleyball Classic.
The No. 15 MSU volleyball team found its winning ways again, capturing the American Classic title over this past weekend in the nation's capital.Two wins on Saturday gave the Spartans a swing in recently lost momentum, as MSU lost two of three at a Nebraska tournament last weekend.
In her third year as a Spartan, junior outside hitter Michelle Kopka is finally settling in on the MSU volleyball team and in the United States. Still, she feels there is more work to be done. Kopka came to MSU via Scarborough, Ontario, and not only had to adjust to the new style of volleyball in the United States but also the new lifestyle. "When I came here initially, it was obviously a huge shock," Kopka said.
Even after a somewhat disappointing 1-2 record at the U.S. Bank/Arby's Classic, the No. 15 Spartans learned if they calm down, they step up.MSU head coach Chuck Erbe knew the weekend would be the most difficult one of the season.
The No. 17 MSU volleyball team went into the U.S. Bank/Arby's Classic, facing three higher-ranked teams, looking for answers to where they stand nationally in the college volleyball ranks.The Spartans now know.After what could be dubbed a disappointing weekend, where they won only one match, the Spartans (6-2) found hope when recalling their pre-tournament thoughts - a possible three-loss weekend.Sunday's victory saved face."One win makes this a successful weekend," head coach Chuck Erbe said.
The anticipation is over for the MSU volleyball team. This weekend, the team will find out where it stands nationally, facing three of the top 13 teams in the country in Lincoln, Neb., at the U.S.
Having a 5-0 mark isn't new for the MSU volleyball team.Last season, MSU found itself undefeated and playing Wright State for the chance to sweep the Western Michigan Invitational.
Sometimes when a younger player beats out an older player for a starting position, team tension can arise.But that hasn't happened with the MSU volleyball team.When sophomore libero Marley Bellwood beat out senior libero Emmy Miller for the key defensive position, head coach Chuck Erbe had cause for concern.
The No. 25 MSU volleyball team continues to dominate the volleyball world. South Carolina and North Carolina were MSU's victims over the weekend. MSU defeated the host school South Carolina 30-19, 24-30, 30-17 and 30-28 on Friday night to improve to 4-0 on the season. The team was paced by three players, led by junior opposite side hitter Michelle Kopka with 14 kills.
The MSU volleyball team is traveling to the Carolina Classic in Columbia, S.C., this weekend with one goal in mind - move up in the rankings. After a 3-0 start to the season, MSU had failed to move up in the rankings, holding steady at No.
A ball is floating in the air - then smashed down with one quick blow. The referee signals the point and junior outside hitter Diana Steplyk screams and congratulates her teammates with high fives.
After week one of the volleyball season, MSU head coach Chuck Erbe feels his team is on course with where he expected it to be - but not without an early test. A 3-0 start is just what Erbe was hoping his team would be able to accomplish heading into the Maryland Invitational.
The No. 25 MSU volleyball team started its season by winning the Maryland Invitation over the weekend, highlighted by nine players achieving career milestones.Junior outside hitter Kim Schram had a career-high 32 kills in the team's five-game victory over Tennessee on Saturday.
The MSU volleyball team is more than ready to open its season at the Maryland Invitational this weekend. This anticipation comes following practice after practice, with the Spartans doing nothing but scrimmaging each other. They're sick of it. "We're just excited to play someone different for a change," senior setter and co-captain Nikki Colson said.
MSU athletics has a tradition of keeping sports within the family - the football Ducketts, the hockey Millers and the basketball Vincents.
After a productive summer, a preseason which saw competition at all six positions and the season opener on Friday, MSU volleyball head coach Chuck Erbe named his starters at a press conference Monday.Senior Nikki Colson will start over sophomore Mickey Davis at the setter position.
The MSU volleyball team kicked off its 2003 season Saturday night with the annual Green and White exhibition match at Jenison Field House. "Tonight was our time to showcase what we've been working on all summer and all preseason," junior outside hitter Kim Schram said.
For the MSU volleyball team, the time is now. "If there was any team that is ready to have a breakout year, it's this one," head coach Chuck Erbe said. The Spartans are expected to place in the national top 20 in preseason polls, and were predicted to place third in the Big Ten this season.
Summer is usually a time to relax, but not in the case of the MSU volleyball team. Usually preseason is the time teams start practicing together, getting a feel for what they will be able to accomplish during the upcoming season. But with four seniors and 11 returning letterwinners, senior co-captain libero Emmy Miller and senior co-captain setter Nikki Colson wanted to get a head start on their competition.