Michigan State volleyball fell short in four sets during a highly competitive Homecoming Week matchup against No. 13 Oregon on Friday.
MSU got the better of Oregon last season, winning in five sets on the road. Both the Spartans and Ducks won their last three matches before Friday.
The match marks the first ranked volleyball game at Breslin Center since Nov. 4, 1995. Spartans' volleyball is notching a Top 25 ranking, making it the first time they’ve been ranked in eight seasons.
After the game, MSU volleyball head coach Kirsten Kelsay said the team's typical strengths became its weakness in the Spartans' second conference loss.
“We know that offense is one of our strengths, so when that struggles, it’s difficult for us," Kelsay said. “We outblock them; we out-ace them, but it’s difficult for us to find our rhythm when our offense is struggling.”
Oregon now matches MSU with a 13-2 record, improving the Ducks' winning streak to four.
Friday’s contest began with MSU commanding an early 5-0 lead, starting with a service ace from American Volleyball Coaches Association National Player of the Week MSU sophomore setter Malayah Long. Oregon rallied back, tying the set 7-7 thanks to offensive efforts from Oregon sophomore opposite hitter Alanah Clemente, however. The Ducks were able to sneak out with the set, winning 25-22.
In the second set, the Spartans led 9-4 and gained momentum early with a statement dig from junior middle blocker Carmen Waye. They led most of the set, but it was still tightly contested with crucial kills from Oregon senior outside hitter Valentina Vaulet. An onslaught of kills from the Oregon offense proved to be overwhelming for MSU as Oregon stole the second set, 25-23.
After falling short in the first two sets, the Spartans came out with authority in the third, taking the lead by six. The Spartans were able to slow down the Ducks' offense and come out on top in the set, 25-21.
In the fourth set, Oregon's offense took over, leaving MSU’s defense on their heels. The MSU offense rallied, but Oregon’s offensive pressure was relentless, specifically from Sjakkie Donkers and Vaulet. The Ducks came out with the win in the final set over the Spartans, 25-20.
“We just got to keep growing, right?” Kelsay said. “We have to keep growing. There’s things we’re going to take good and bad from tonight and continue to grow.”
