Lansing Sun

Michigan State volleyball achieved a significant victory against Colorado State on Saturday night, overcoming the Rams 3-1 (25-21, 20-25, 25-23, 25-23) at Moby Arena. The win levels Michigan State's record to 1-1 for the start of the 2024 season, while Colorado State falls to 0-2 after a previous loss to No. 11-ranked Florida.

"I'm proud of the team, proud of the way they fought, the way they played for each other tonight," said head coach Leah Johnson. "This is the team I've been coaching all preseason. Yesterday we were a shell of ourselves, and we knew it. We're not going to let that happen again because we're not going to give up on each other; we're not going to play scared."

Junior outside hitter Akasha Anderson led Michigan State with 16 kills and accumulated 19.5 points, adding three aces and a block. Sophomore middle blocker Zuzanna Kulig delivered a career-best performance with nine kills, six aces, and six blocks, hitting .600 (10+ attempts) and contributing significantly with 19 points.

"Zuza, freaking a, man, six aces tonight," Johnson remarked. "When your middle can produce points from the end line and blocks and kills? I was proud of how our pins battled. Akasha Anderson struggled early and battled her way back into it. Taylah wasn't at her best offensively, but her passing was nails for us."

Sophomore outside hitter Taylah Holdem recorded nine digs and added six kills. Senior setters Rachel Muisenga and Julia Bishop provided crucial support with 20 and 17 assists respectively.

Michigan State posted a .197 hitting percentage compared to Colorado State's .279 but outperformed in total kills (52 vs. CSU's 48) and service aces (11 vs. CSU's four). The Spartans also excelled in receiving with a .952 clip against CSU’s .869.

Kulig started strong in set one with back-to-back aces leading MSU to an early advantage. Despite some pressure from Colorado State later in the set, Michigan State secured it with decisive plays from Anderson and Kulig.

Set two saw Colorado State take control early on; however, Michigan State rallied towards the end despite losing the set but carried momentum into set three where both teams exchanged leads until MSU clinched it following critical plays by Anderson.

The fourth set was closely contested with multiple lead changes until key contributions from Kulig put Michigan State on match point which Anderson finalized securing their victory.

Colorado State's Malaya Jones led all players with 22 kills while Emery Herman contributed significantly with 41 assists.

Next up for Michigan State is a neutral site match against No.11-ranked Florida at Moby Arena as part of their ongoing trip in Colorado.