Michigan State University
Indiana
Spartan Volleyball Shuts Down Hoosiers, 3-0
10/12/2007 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Oct. 12, 2007
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - As the Spartans (11-8, 2-5) picked up their second Big Ten Conference win in front of an Indiana season-high crowd, freshman Jenilee Rathje etched her name for the second time in Michigan State's freshman records list. With three blocks against Indiana, Rathje moved into 10th in total blocks (79 TB) by a freshman, and with two block assists tonight, the rookie moved up into eighth in blocks assists (72) by a freshman. Michigan State defeated Indiana in three games, 30-25, 30-26, 30-26.
Lauren O'Reilly earned her first double-double as a Spartan, with a strong defensive effort of 12 digs and 41 assists. Katie Johnson and Ashley Schatzle also tallied double-doubles. Johnson earned her third double-double of the season with 15 kills and 10 digs, while Schatzle posted her eighth double-double with 12 kills and 11 digs.
As a team, MSU recorded a season-high 66 digs.
The Spartans jumped out to a five point lead under the service of Jessica Hohl and quickly extended the lead to 15-6 midway through the match. Paced by Johnson's eight kills and block assist, MSU tallied 21 kills, hitting .304. Michigan State controlled Indiana's attack effort with 18 digs and two blocks, holding the Hoosiers to 13 kills, for a .205 hitting percentage.
Maintaining momentum through game two, Michigan State recorded game two's victory 30-26, as Schatzle put up eight kills and Rathje tallied three blocks. The closer to victory after a Rathje solo block, putting MSU back in the lead, 26-25, and MSU eventually earned the win 30-26.
The Spartans showed no signs of slowing in game three, posting a quick 13-6 lead. While the Hoosiers made an effort to rally, Indiana never came back within more than three points, and Michigan State closed out the match 30-26.
MSU volleyball travels to West Lafayette for a 7 p.m. match Saturday against Purdue.
