Michigan State University Athletics
Michigan State University
Wisconsin
Volleyball Loses To Wisconsin In Final 2000 Home Match
11/25/2000 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Nov. 25, 2000
Wisconsin clinched at least a share of the Big Ten title with a 3-0 win over Michigan State on Saturday, Nov. 25 in Jenison Field House. The 5-15, 11-15, 12-15 loss spoiled senior night for MSU's four seniors and lowers State's overall record to 17-12 overall, 10-10 in the Big Ten. Wisconsin closes out the regular season at 28-3 overall, 18-2 in the conference.
Junior outside hitter Erin Hartley led MSU with 13 kills and 13 digs, hitting .257. Senior middle Sarah Gustin, playing in her final match in Jenison Field House, added 12 kills, eight digs and seven blocks, hitting .321.
In a battle of the Big Ten's best blocking teams, Wisconsin won 10-7. The Badgers also outhit the Spartans, .199-.103. Wisconsin's Sherisa Livingston led all hitters with 18 kills, while Jenny Maastricht added 16 and Claudia Rodriguez 14.
The first game was tied at one, two, three and four before Wisconsin blew it open with five straight points to lead 9-4. State scored its fifth point but would score no more as the Badgers cruised to a 15-5 win. Hartley, freshman outside hitter Jenny Rood and redshirt sophomore middle Angela Morley all had two kills for the Spartans.
The Badgers continued their hot streak in game two, racing to a 6-1 lead. MSU bounced back, scoring five straight, three behind the serving of freshman outside hitter Amy Sibbernsen, to tie the game at six. At 7-7, Wisconsin took a six point lead to get to game point at 14-8. MSU managed a mini-rally to get to within three at 14-11 but a Wisconsin timeout righted the Badger ship and led to the final point. Gustin tallied six kills and three blocks in the game while Hartley added five kills and five digs.
MSU took a 5-0 lead in the third game but the Badgers came back. Tied 6-6, Wisconsin and MSU traded leads until UW took a 12-11 advantage. State got to within one again at 13-12 but again Wisconsin held firm, taking the win at 15-12. Hartley again led the team with six kills while Gustin had five kills and three blocks.
The Spartans await Sunday's NCAA selection show to determine where they will be playing next weekend. It will be the seventh consecutive trip to the NCAA Tournament for Michigan State, all under head coach Chuck Erbe.
