The Michigan State volleyball team secured a notable victory against the University of Southern California (USC) on Thursday night. The Spartans overcame a 2-0 deficit to defeat the No. 16-ranked USC in a five-set match at the Galen Center, concluding with scores of 20-25, 22-25, 27-25, 25-20, and 15-13.
Michigan State head coach Leah Johnson expressed her pride in the team’s performance. “I’m so proud of them,” she said. “I’m so happy for them. They’ve never quit. I don’t care what the scores have said this team has never given up.”
This win marks Michigan State’s first victory over a ranked opponent since defeating No. 13-ranked Penn State on October 28, 2023.
Senior libero Nalani Iosia played in front of more than seventy family members and contributed significantly with ten digs, seven assists, and four kills during the match.
Junior opposite Akasha Anderson delivered an impressive performance by matching her career-high with twenty-six kills and achieving a season-best thirteen digs. She also surpassed one thousand career kills during this match.
“Kash was excellent,” remarked Johnson regarding Anderson’s contribution to the game.
Other notable performances included junior outside hitter Taylor Preston with twelve kills and senior setter Julia Bishop who achieved forty-six assists alongside thirteen digs for her sixth double-double of the season.
Michigan State recorded an overall hitting percentage of .225 but improved significantly in the final two sets with percentages of .522 and .400 respectively. The Spartans equaled USC in service aces but committed fewer service errors compared to their opponents.
The decisive fifth set saw Michigan State take an early lead which they maintained despite USC’s attempts to close the gap. Back-to-back service errors from USC allowed Michigan State to reach match point before Preston secured victory with her twelfth kill.
