Michigan State University Athletics
Michigan State University
2-0
Albany
0-2
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | Final F |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albany | 13 | 19 | 16 | 0 |
| Michigan State | 25 | 25 | 25 | 3 |
Volleyball Drops Albany, 3-0
8/29/2009 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Aug. 29, 2009
EAST LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan State volleyball team (2-0) returned to action on day two of the MSU Showcase, downing Albany (0-2), 3-0. In what turned out to be a record setting morning, the Spartans responded after their upset win over No. 12 USC the night before. MSU, as a team, posted a .587 hitting percentage, which became a program high, breaking the previous mark of .495, set against the University of Miami on Sept. 2, 2006. The 48 total points conceded was also the fewest points the Spartans have allowed in the 25-point scoring system, the previous record was 50, set at Delaware last year on Sept. 6.
"I think it was really awesome to get the opportunity to play everybody," said head coach Cathy George. "If they get that match time under their belt, then they are not quite so nervous when we do need to get them in."
The Spartans came out strong in the first set, downing the Great Danes 25-13. In the second set, MSU was able to pull away late from Albany to earn a 25-19 win. Michigan State closed out the match in the third set, downing the Great Danes 25-16. This is the Spartans' best start to a season since 2006, when MSU began the season on a six-match winning streak.
Redshirt sophomore Jenilee Rathje (Mount Pleasant, Mich.) dominated the Spartan attack, posting a career-high .750 hitting percentage with 13 kills. Rathje also aided the Spartans defense with seven digs. Tying a career high hitting percentage was senior Vanessa King (Spring Lake, Mich.), who paced MSU's attack while tallying an .833 attacking mark on five kills. Following up her impressive day yesterday, sophomore Kyndra Abron (Livonia, Mich.) tallied eight kills, recording an .800 hitting percentage. Junior Allyson Karaba (Muskegon, Mich.) led all Spartan defenders with nine digs against Albany.
Coach George was able to give some of her less experienced members an opportunity to see the court this morning, after gaining the early lead. Junior Nicole Peter (Grand Rapids, Mich.) led all Spartans with 24 assists, playing the second and third sets, while freshman Elizabeth Egerer (Sheboygan Falls, Wis.) contributed two kills in the win. Also seeing action this morning was freshman Amy Dentlinger (Arcadia, Iowa), who tallied three kills in limited action.
"We have three games in a very short period this weekend. With us going the distance last night against USC, it was nice to be able to get a little rest for some of our regulars as we have to turn around for a match tonight with North Carolina." added George.
With USC defeating North Carolina in the second match of this mornings session, MSU will have the chance to earn their ninth consecutive MSU Showcase title when they return action tonight at 7:30 p.m., as they close out the Showcase against UNC.
As always, all Spartan volleyball home matches can be streamed live as the voice of the Spartans, John Kreger, provides live play-by-play at www.msuspartans.com.
