Michigan State University Athletics
Spartan Volleyball Takes Buckeyes in Three
6/21/1999 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
November 22, 1998
EAST LANSING, Mich. - - Jenna Wrobel and the Spartans overcame poor hitting in game one to defeat Ohio State, 15-12, 15-12, 15-13 on Sunday afternoon in Jenison Field House on senior day. Wrobel led all hitters for the 24th match this season with a double-double: 21 kills on .378 hitting and 10 digs to go along with six blocks. She also became MSU's all-time attempt leader and is second on the Big Ten career list with 5,135. Michigan State won the blocking battle, 13-10, and is now 20-0 when outblocking its opponent.
The Spartans extended a 6-3 lead in game one with seven-straight points on senior outside hitter Jennifer Stroffe's serves. Ohio State mounted a comeback but MSU closed out the game. Both teams hit poorly; MSU hit only .091 to OSU's .070. Game's two and three were more of the same with the teams trading the lead throughout. The Spartans hit .351 to the Buckeyes' .132 to win the third game and the match.
"I knew this was going to be a tough match," said Michigan State head coach Chuck Erbe. "I'm pleased that our team played the end of each game really tough. That's certainly going to help us with Wisconsin on Friday."
"I never thought this day would come," said senior back row player Kelly Penney, who tallied nine blocks on senior day. "It was emotional but when you step on the court you put all that aside. It was a big match for us."
"This match was different because it was senior day," said MSU outside hitter Jenna Wrobel. Initially it really hit me but when I walked out onto the court I was fine. This was a big win for us. I knew this was the last time I was going to play in Jenison against a Big Ten school and I was ready to play."
Sophomore middle blocker Sarah Gustin also had a strong match with seven kills, eight blocks and seven digs. Setter Christie Landry was her consistent self with 36 assists, four kills, eight digs and three blocks.
Angelee Abbring led Ohio State with 17 kills and four blocks. OSU's leading hitter, Rosie Snow, had a poor hitting night with 11 kills on -0.68 hitting. Setter Jen Flynn had 40 assists, six kills, nine digs and two blocks. The Buckeyes had more kills, 52-51, more assists, 50-49, more digs, 59-54 and more service aces, 4-1, than the Spartans.
Michigan State is now 22-5 on the season, 14-4 in the Big Ten. Ohio State falls to 13-13 overall, 7-11 in Big Ten action.
