MSU volleyball pushes No. 1 Nebraska but falls, one day after heartbreaker against No. 19 Indiana

On Saturday, Michigan State’s volleyball team faced off against No. 1 ranked Nebraska at Breslin Center, after suffering a tough five-set loss to Indiana the previous day. The Spartans showcased two of their best sets of the season before ultimately falling in a 4-0 match, with a final score of 21-25, 25-19, 25-17, 25-12. MSU's overall record stands at 17-5, with a 7-5 mark in the Big Ten conference.

The game drew over 8,000 fans, who came to witness MSU battle the top-ranked Huskers. Following Friday's heartbreaking defeat against Indiana, MSU coach Kristen Kelsay praised her team for their emotional, mental, and physical resilience, allowing them to display strong serving pressure and blocking ability against Nebraska. Senior Alanna Bankston led the team in kills with 12, while senior Zora Hardison contributed eight kills and four total blocks.

Junior Breccan Scheck and freshman Madi Andrews added five kills each, with Scheck hitting .571 and leading MSU in total blocks with seven. Redshirt sophomore setter Malayah Long posted her fourth double-double of the season, recording team highs in both assists (26) and digs (10). Kelsay refused to accept any moral victories, but was satisfied with her team's determination, especially considering the reverse sweep and a critical injury to star player Carmen Waye during their previous loss to Indiana.

MSU will now travel to play against No. 8 Wisconsin on Thursday, with the match to begin at 8 p.m. ET and be streamed on Big Ten Network-plus.