Lansing Sun

Michigan State University's volleyball team secured a decisive victory over Marist in the second annual Kathy DeBoer Invitational. The Spartans won 3-0, marking their first sweep of the season with scores of 25-10, 25-13, and 25-14. This match was notable as it was the first time since December 2016 that Michigan State limited an opponent to fewer than 15 points in each set.

Head coach Leah Johnson expressed satisfaction with the team's performance, saying, "We used a variety of players today and got to try a few different things that I've been looking at in practice." She highlighted Carmen Waye's improvement throughout the match.

The Spartans' record improved to 3-2 overall. Junior outside hitters Akasha Anderson and Taylor Preston led offensively with eight kills each. Preston excelled with four service aces, while Anderson contributed two aces and five blocks. Johnson praised Preston's composure during serve rotations: "I was really proud of Taylor because they called multiple timeouts during her serve rotations and she would come right back in."

Defensively, Anderson and junior middle blocker Evie Doezema each recorded five blocks as Michigan State out-blocked Marist 9-to-0. Senior Nalani Iosia led in digs with 13, while senior setters Julia Bishop and Rachel Muisenga provided assists.

Kaya Hood made her debut start for Michigan State, while freshman Carmen Waye delivered four blocks and two kills. The Spartans achieved a .382 hitting percentage for the match compared to Marist's -.085.

In set one, MSU took an early lead due to Preston's strong serving run which included three aces. Set two saw Marist initially leading before MSU regained control following a kill by Doezema. The third set began evenly but was soon dominated by Michigan State following strategic plays from Waye and Kelly.

Michigan State will face Loyola (Chicago) next at Breslin Center on September 8.