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Volleyball

VOLLEYBALL

Kopka excels for spikers

Megan Homanick
September 19, 2003

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

Megan Homanick
September 15, 2003

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

Megan Homanick
September 9, 2003

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

Megan Homanick
September 8, 2003

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

Megan Homanick
September 3, 2003

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

Megan Homanick
August 29, 2003

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.

VOLLEYBALL

Team ready for breakout season

Megan Homanick
August 15, 2003

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.

VOLLEYBALL

Seniors spark team workouts

Megan Homanick
August 13, 2003

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.

VOLLEYBALL

Defense key in first-round matchup

Chris Mackinder
December 6, 2002

It's the most exciting time of the year for the MSU volleyball team, and it has nothing to do with the fact that there is one week left in the fall semester. The Spartans (19-11) are gearing up for a run at the volleyball national championship beginning with a contest against George Mason (22-7) at 4 p.m.

VOLLEYBALL

Digging for a title

Chris Mackinder
December 6, 2002

When Angela Morley woke up Thursday morning, she realized study time for finals was almost gone. The senior middle and the rest of the MSU volleyball team left Thursday night for South Bend, Ind., for the first and second rounds of the NCAA Tournament. The Spartan volleyball team is in the same boat as nearly all other MSU students.

VOLLEYBALL

Spartans excited about draw in tourney

Chris Mackinder
December 4, 2002

The MSU volleyball team (19-11) anxiously awaited its fate for the NCAA Tournament and let out a thunderous roar Sunday night when they saw the bracket they were placed in. The Spartans will travel to South Bend, Ind., where they will match up against George Mason (22-7) in the first round at 4 p.m.