Michigan State University
Central Michigan
Volleyball Defeats CMU For Ninth Straight Victory
9/15/2007 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Sept. 15, 2007
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Spartan volleyball (9-3) swept Central Michigan (9-3) in three games Saturday night with scores 30-22, 30-24 and 30-25 at Jenison Field House. The win for MSU marks its ninth straight, the longest winning streak since 1998. Tonight's match also recognized distinguished alumni as well as head coach Cathy George, who was honored for her 400th career win, which was tallied earlier this season on the road at the Harvard Invitational.
The Spartans came out strong with great net control both offensively and defensively against Central Michigan. Senior Katie Johnson had a court-high 17 kills and five total blocks (three solo, two assists), while freshman Jenilee Rathje sealed the net with five blocks as well, all block assists. The Spartans finished the match with 11 team blocks.
Adding to the tremendous defensive effort, senior Ashley Schatzle led MSU in the back court with 11 digs. With the digs and blocks shutting down CMU's offense, the Chippewas hit as a team .049.
Also note worthy, sophomore Vanessa King passed the 300 career-kills mark with six kills tonight. King now has 82 kills this year and 305 in her career.
Johnson starred in game one with incredible stats to help MSU jump out to a 1-0 lead. The outside hitter tallied six kills, two block assists and one ace while hitting .417. And the momentum carried into game two where service played a grand role for State. Johnson and Jessica Hohl both tacked on aces while Johnson hit double digits in kills, with 10 through game two. With the score at 29-24, Rathje and Lauren O'Reilly ended the second game in dramatic fashion with a game-winning block.
Game three proved to be the closest of the night as CMU fought to stay alive. But O'Reilly's serving came alive when she served three aces in four services; the third point came from a Rathje-Johnson stuff at the net. Central Michigan would end the match with 31 kills but the points were quickly offset by 26 hitting errors.
Michigan State opens up Big Ten action Friday, Sept. 21 at 7 p.m. against Penn State in University Park, Pa. Live stats and radio will be available at www.msuspartans.com.
