Lansing Sun

On Tuesday night, Michigan State's volleyball team secured a 3-1 victory over Purdue Fort Wayne at the Breslin Student Events Center in East Lansing, Michigan. The Spartans improved to a 6-3 overall record as they approach the final non-conference weekend of the regular season.

Michigan State head coach Leah Johnson commented on the match, stating, "Outside of set three, and credit to Purdue Fort Wayne for a hard-fought comeback, I thought we played a fun, aggressive match."

Four players from Michigan State achieved double-doubles in this game. Fifth-year Nalani Iosia, senior Julia Bishop, senior Rachel Muisenga, and sophomore Taylah Holdem all posted double-doubles. This marks the first time since September 11, 2010, that four Spartans have accomplished this feat in the same match.

Iosia recorded her fourth career double-double with 12 assists and 22 digs. Bishop achieved double-doubles in consecutive matches with 23 assists and a career-high matching 18 digs. Holdem set new personal records with 16 digs and a season-high of 14 kills. Muisenga contributed with 27 assists and 10 digs.

Coach Johnson praised Purdue Fort Wayne's strategy but highlighted Michigan State's adaptability: "I thought Purdue Fort Wayne executed its game-plan really well hitting balls to zone one... Nalani (Iosia) sets like a setter and we take advantage of that."

Junior middle blocker Evie Doezema was among three Spartans who finished with 14 kills each. Junior outside hitter Taylor Preston matched her season high with 14 kills while junior Akasha Anderson added 11 kills.

Michigan State outperformed Purdue Fort Wayne statistically by leading in kills (71-42), assists (66-40), digs (84-66), and blocks (8-7). The Spartans held their opponents to sub-.100 hitting percentages in both sets one (.000) and four (.095).

The Spartans controlled set one early on with an initial lead of 7-2 following a kill by Holdem. They maintained momentum throughout set two despite frequent ties until pulling away for a final score of 25-19. Set three saw Purdue Fort Wayne rally from behind to secure their only win at 25-21. In set four, Michigan State ultimately prevailed with decisive plays towards the end.

Next up for Michigan State are matches against Duke and North Carolina this weekend as part of throwback ACC-B1G meetings.