Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Volleyball

VOLLEYBALL

Volleyball team picks up two wins at Jenison

The MSU volleyball team battled it out with Big Ten opponents en route to picking up two victories this weekend. Led by another red-hot performance from redshirt freshman Megan Wallin, the Spartans (14-6 overall, 6-4 Big Ten) defeated Purdue 30-23, 30-23 and 30-19 on Friday. Senior outside hitter Kyla Smith led the charge Saturday, recording 18 kills in the Spartans’ 38-40, 30-22, 30-21, 25-30 and 16-14 five-game marathon win over Illinois. The contest against the Fighting Illini proved to be the highlight of the weekend.

VOLLEYBALL

Injury bug depletes Spartans

A rash of injuries have left the No. 23 Spartans dealing with more physical pains then they’d like to this season. For the second straight weekend and fifth straight game, junior outside hitter Sara Villwock was sidelined nursing an injured left foot. Prior to Villwock’s injury, she led the team with 113 kills total, she also was the team’s biggest defensive threat, digging 3.29 balls per game. Her presence has been felt on the bench, but it has lacked on the floor - where the Spartans have been hurting.

VOLLEYBALL

Smiths confidence returns

Kyla Smith could have easily stayed at home in British Columbia. Or she could have followed her high school friends to places like Colorado, Washington or Oregon. Instead the senior outside hitter chose to play volleyball at MSU, and four years later, the Spartans must be mighty happy at her need for individuality. The player head coach Chuck Erbe calls “the cornerstone” of his team is raking up the best numbers of her life.

VOLLEYBALL

Miller relaxes into star role

When she came to MSU in 2000, Emmy Miller faced a gigantic challenge - playing volleyball.Miller was a three-year letter winner at Okemos High School and played for Lansing Area Volleyball Association and USA Michigan teams before becoming a Spartan.But all that experience didn’t prime her for collegiate ball - not mentally or physically.“Her freshman year, she was just really overwhelmed,” head coach Chuck Erbe said.