EAST LANSING, Mich. - Middle blocker Hailey Murray posted 10 kills on a .333 clip as the Maryland volleyball team fell to Michigan State, 3-1, Wednesday evening at Jenison Field House. The Terps (10-11, 0-7 B1G) fell to the Spartans (12-6, 4-3) by set scores of 18-25, 25-22, 15-25, 18-25.
“Michigan State is a good volleyball team,” head coach Steve Aird said. “We found ways to stay competitive and win a game off a talented team. It's a step in the right direction for where we're taking this program, and I'm proud of the way the team kept fighting.”
Outside hitter Liz Twilley also notched 10 kills in the match. Three Terps posted double-digit digs versus the Spartans, led by 14 from defensive specialist Amy Dion. Middle blocker Ashlyn MacGregor led Maryland with five blocks while setter Abigail Bentz served a match-high three aces.
The Terps and Spartans traded kills to start the match, tying for the third time at 3-3, before Michigan State used a 5-1 run to take an 8-4 lead. The Spartans capitalized on Maryland errors to take a 15-10 advantage. Murray, Elliott, MacGregor and Angel Gaskin all recorded kills as the Terps tried to get back in it, but MSU posted six of the last eight points to take the set, 25-18.
The Spartans took a 6-3 lead in set two but the Terps continued to stay within a few points. Maryland tied the set, 12-12, before a kill from Whitney Craigo gave the Terps the lead. The Terrapins rattled off five of the next six points, highlighted by an ace from Bentz. Another service ace, this time from Adreené Elliott pushed the Terps ahead, 23-19, as Michigan State called a timeout. Twilley notched the final two kills as Maryland took the set, 25-22. The Terps hit .222 in set two.
After a close start to set three, the Spartans pulled ahead, 20-9, on a 10-0 run. Bentz served two late aces but Michigan State took a 25-15 set win to lead the match, 2-1.
The Spartans took an 8-5 lead early in set four before the Terps tied it with three straight points. Gaskin posted a kill and MacGregor served an ace as Maryland took a 12-10 lead. The Terps continued their run, jumping ahead 16-11, before Michigan State took control. The Spartans went on a 14-2 run to take the set, 25-18, and the match, 25-18.
Maryland served eight aces while allowing just one from Michigan State.
The Terps have a quick turnaround as they face No. 23 Michigan in Ann Arbor at 7 p.m. Thursday. The Wolverines are the fourth ranked opponent in five matches for Maryland. Michigan (14-4, 4-3) defeated Rutgers, 3-1, Wednesday evening.
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