Michigan State University Athletics
Michigan State University
16-10, 4-10Big Ten
Illinois
20-3, 12-2Big Ten
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | Final F |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan State | 19 | 12 | 19 | 0 |
| Illinois | 25 | 25 | 25 | 3 |
Volleyball Falls, 3-0, to No. 5 Illinois
11/7/2009 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Nov. 7, 2009
CHAMPAIGN< ill.=""> The Michigan State volleyball team (16-10, 4-10) fell, 3-0, to No. 5 Illinois on Saturday, Nov. 7, in Huff Hall. With the win, the Fighting Illini are now 20-3 overall on the season, posting a 12-2 conference record. Junior Allyson Karaba (Muskegon, Mich.) anchored the Spartan defense with her 11 digs.
MSU began the set out with an early 5-3 lead. The Fighting Illini rallied back to tie the match at seven. The first Spartan timeout of the set was called when Illinois was leading 17-14. UI took five of the last six points, earning the 25-19 first set win. Senior Vanessa King's (Spring Lake, Mich.) four kills led the team in the first set.
The Fighting Illini began the second set strong, leading 6-0. Illinois slowly began pulling away from the Spartans, growing their lead to nine with the score 17-8. UI scored five of the last six points, bringing their lead to 13, winning the second set 25-12.
After finding themselves down 3-0, the Spartans pulled within one, making the score 4-3. MSU maintained the one-point differential as the score became 13-12 in favor of Illinois. Michigan State tied the set for the first time at 13. The Spartans called their first timeout of the set as they trailed 16-14. Three points later, 19-14, MSU called its final timeout of the set. Illinois scored six of the final nine points, winning the set, and match, 25-19.
Sophomore Natalie Emro's (Wildwood, Mo.) 23 assists was a team high. Freshman Cheyenne VanDerSteen (Grand Ledge, Mich.) contributed the Spartan defense with her career-high 10 digs. King and sophomore Becca Zlabis (Wheaton, Ill.) each tallied six kills.
The Spartans will return to action Friday, Nov. 13, when they host Indiana at 6 p.m. The following night, Saturday, Nov. 14, MSU will entertain Purdue at 6:30 p.m. Both matches will be streamed live on the BigTenNetwork.com.
