Michigan State University Athletics
Michigan State University
11-9, 3-6
Illinois
16-5, 7-3
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | Final F |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 25 | 25 | 25 | 3 |
| Michigan State | 17 | 18 | 17 | 0 |
No. 19 Illinois Downs Michigan State, 3-0
10/24/2008 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Oct. 24, 2008
EAST LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan State volleyball team dropped a 3-0 (25-17, 25-18, 25-17) match to No. 19 Illinois tonight at Jenison Field House. The Spartans, who have now lost four-straight matches, fall to 11-9 overall and 3-6 in the Big Ten, while the Fighting Illini moves to 16-5, 7-3 on the season.
The first set remained close in the early stages, until a 6-1 Illinois run pushed the margin to 15-9 for the visitors. The Spartans would attempt to claw back, getting within four on a couple occasions, but the overall play of the Fighting Illini deemed to be too much, as they took the first set, 25-17.
Similar to the first set, the second set was a heated battle in the first portion. With the score tied at 11, Illinois tallied six unanswered points opening up a lead they would not relinquish, as they took set two 25-18.
After the break, Illinois took the first two points of the third set and never trailed. MSU kept it close, but with the score 11-9 in favor of the visitors, the Illini put together a 5-1 run to put the set out of reach for the Spartans. Illinois took the final set and the match, 25-17.
Freshman Kyndra Abron led the Spartans with seven kills, while junior Vanessa King chipped in six. Sophomore Allyson Karaba paced the defensive effort with 12 digs. Freshman setter Natalie Emro dished out 25 assists and dug seven balls.
Laura DeBruler had 17 kills in the win for Illinois, while Kylie McCulley posed 14.
The Spartans return to Big Ten play tomorrow, when they welcome in No. 18 Purdue. First serve is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. in Jenison Field House.
