Michigan State University Athletics
Spartan Volleyball Celebrates in Champaign
6/21/1999 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
November 14, 1998
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - No. 14 Michigan State defeated No. 20 Illinois in Champaign on Saturday night three games to one. Sophomore middle hitter Sarah Gustin set the school single-match block assists and total blocks records with 13 block assists against the Illini. Jenna Wrobel led all hitters in kills for the 23rd time this season with her sixth career 30-kill match. Michigan State also set the team single-match block assists record with 38.
The Spartans lost the first point in game one but then bolted to an 8-1 lead. The Illini retaliated with four points of their own to bring the score to 8-5. MSU went on another tear before getting stuck on 14 while Illinois, down 7-14, brought the score to within two with six consecutive points. Sarah Gustin and Christie Landry closed out the game with timely block assists to give the Spartans a 15-12 win.
Illinois scored the first point of game two and never relinquished its lead. The Spartans made it interesting at game point by forcing six sideouts but the Illini finally closed out the game at 15-8.
Michigan State took an early 6-3 lead in game three, and despite numerous sideouts, maintained its lead to win 15-8.
Tied at 4-4 in game four, the Spartans scored four points in a row to take the lead. Illinois again scratched its way back into a game, tying it at 10. Senior outside hitter Jennifer Stroffe held serve for the last five points for a 15-10 win.
Michigan State is now 21-4 overall, 13-3 in the Big Ten Conference. Illinois falls to 17-9 overall, 10-6 in league play.
The Spartans return to action against No. 2 Penn State on Friday, Nov. 20 in Jenison Field House at 7 p.m.
