Michigan State University
Illinois
Illinois Outlasts Spartan Volleyball, 3-2
9/28/2007 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Sept. 28, 2007
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State volleyball took a hard-fought two-game lead over Illinois Friday night at Jenison Field House before the Fighting Illini proved to be just that, as they posted a three-game comeback to defeat the Spartans 3-2 (27-30, 20-30, 30-28, 30-25, 15-12). Michigan State is now 9-6 overall this season and 0-3 in conference action, and the Spartans look to turn things around when they host No. 9 Wisconsin Saturday at 6:30 p.m.
Senior Ashley Schatzle led the night, posting 20 kills and 12 digs, good for her seventh double-double of the season. Classmate Katie Johnson contributed big numbers for MSU as well with 15 kills. Each also contributed three blocks a piece to Michigan State's 18 team blocks, though sophomore Vanessa King tallied the most stuffs of the night with nine block assists, a season high in total blocks and a career high in block assists. Hohl also posted season-high blocks with six block assists.
MSU controlled game one, rallying after Johnson went down with an in jury at 25-25. Sophomore Whitney Tremain subbed in and immediately made an impact with a huge block with Hohl. Controlling the net proved to be key in the first win, as seven players earned blocks on the defensive end and Schatzle put up seven kills on the offensive front. The Spartans closed out game one, 30-25, with a strong solo block from Schatzle.
Michigan State tacked on another win in game two, pulling ahead of the Fighting Illini 30-20 in what was an all-around effort from the Spartans. Hohl crushed out five kills while Johnson returned to action, making her presence known with two blocks. Allyson Karaba saw considerable time in the backcourt, subbing in for Johnson, and additionally hammered out consistent serves. Through the end of game two, the Spartans had 10 team blocks and 33 kills.
Illinois turned the momentum against for the Spartans as the Illini battled back in game three. Though MSU picked up five more blocks and 17 more kills, Illinois came alive in a decisive game three to post a 30-28 victory. The Illini improved their hitting percentage from .133 through two games to .220 at the end of game three as they posted 20 kills in the third game.
Game four didn't look much better for the Green and White as Illinois forced a game five with a 30-25 win. Michigan State couldn't regain its rhythm from games one and two in order to bounce back. Illinois took advantage of MSU mistakes and clinched game five 15-12 and the overall match. The Fighting Illini picked up their first conference win (1-2) and improve to 9-4.
Tomorrow's Spartan match against Wisconsin will follow the Family Fun Night sponsored by MSU volleyball, where Chili's will serve its famous fajitas for $5 per person, and Michigan State's marketing department will provide a free Bounce House and Giant Slide. Additionally, the first 500 fans will receive free Chili's rally towels.
