Tuesday, April 30, 2024

Volleyball

VOLLEYBALL

Spikers OK with 10-4 record

The No. 16 MSU volleyball team has reached the halfway point of the season. And luckily for the Spartans, they've done it with more positives than negatives. Even though it would like to be better than 10-4 overall and 2-2 in the Big Ten, the team is happy with its record and the prospects of the season's second half. "I'm happy with the record," senior libero and co-captain Emmy Miller said.

VOLLEYBALL

Rivalry is about flag, pride

When the No. 14 MSU volleyball team steps onto the court at 7 p.m. today, there will be a buzz in the air - the Wolverines are in town.People might think an MSU-Michigan volleyball match is not as intense or exciting as a hockey, football or basketball game.The truth: If MSU were to play U-M in curling, there would a heightened level of play and state of emotions."It's a natural rivalry," head coach Chuck Erbe said.

VOLLEYBALL

Setter named week's best

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.

VOLLEYBALL

Spartans win tourney, pick up momentum

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.

VOLLEYBALL

Kopka excels for spikers

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.

VOLLEYBALL

Volleyball team returns from disappointing weekend

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.

VOLLEYBALL

Spartans move up to No. 17

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.

VOLLEYBALL

'U' dominates in Carolina Classic; now 5-0

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.

VOLLEYBALL

Despite 3-0 start, spikers not satisfied

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.

VOLLEYBALL

Spikers excited for first tournament

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.