Volleyball beats Wisconsin in 4 sets

Behind a strong performance by sophomore middle blocker Alexis Mathews, the MSU volleyball team from a midweek loss to hand Wisconsin a 3-1 loss on the Badgers’ home turf.

Mathews had a career night, leading the Spartans with nine blocks and 16 kills. The Spartans improved to 19-9 overall and 8-8 in the conference.

Michigan State out-blocked the Badgers 17 to Wisconsin’s two. Senior outside hitters Jenilee Rathje and Kyndra Abron chipped in with 12 and 14 kills, respectively. Senior setter Natalie Emro tallied 22 assists and a career-best eight blocking assists while sophomore setter Kristen Kelsay added 23 assists.

After splitting its matches for the eighth straight week, MSU dropped to sixth in the Big Ten. However, as the regular season wraps up, the Spartans find themselves with a home court advantage.

Three of the Spartans final four matches will be played at Jenison Field House, with the team’s sole remaining road game being played only about 65 miles away, in Ann Arbor.

MSU will return to the floor Friday when they host No. 7 Illinois for a rematch of the Fighting Illini’s 3-2 victory on Oct. 15.