News Summary
Michigan State University volleyball celebrated a significant win against the University of Michigan, claiming a 3-0 victory at the Breslin Center. This match marked MSU’s first Big Ten win of the season under first-year head coach Kristen Kelsay, as they improved their record to 11-1 overall and 1-1 in conference play. The Spartans showcased strong performances from their key players, dominating several match statistics including kills and service aces, while preparing for their next challenge against Northwestern. This victory is a notable achievement in the team’s strong performance throughout the season.
East Lansing, Michigan – Michigan State University volleyball celebrated a significant victory against the University of Michigan, winning the match 3-0 on September 27, 2025, at the Breslin Center. This triumph marked the Spartans’ first Big Ten win of the season and was a notable achievement for first-year head coach Kristen Kelsay. The crowd of 5,072 fans witnessed MSU improve its overall record to 11-1 and 1-1 in Big Ten play, while Michigan’s record fell to 10-3 overall and 0-2 in the conference.
The match results were as follows: 25-14, 25-22, and 25-21. Michigan State displayed an impressive performance, achieving a hitting percentage of .316, their second-best of the season. In contrast, the Wolverines struggled, posting a hitting percentage of just .143. The Spartans outperformed Michigan in several key categories, including total kills (44 to 34), service aces (5 to 3), and digs (36 to 32). However, Michigan did hold a slight edge in total blocks, with 6.5 compared to MSU’s 2.
Key Player Contributions
Freshman outside hitter Bianca Mumcular led the Spartans with a career-high 15 kills and added 12 digs, securing her third double-double of the season. Junior outside hitter Karolina Staniszewska contributed significantly with 13 kills and eight digs, while sophomore middle blocker Carmen Waye added nine kills to the effort. Redshirt freshman setter Malayah Long was pivotal in the match, providing 36 assists for the team. Junior defensive specialist Ky Clayton led the squad in service aces, contributing two.
Match Highlights
The first set showcased a competitive spirit, with MSU and Michigan exchanging leads before the Spartans broke away to win decisively at 25-14. The second set saw MSU take an early lead of 10-2; however, Michigan made a late push, narrowing the gap before MSU sealed the set 25-22. The final set began closely contested, with neither team gaining a substantial lead until MSU pulled ahead, ultimately closing the match at 25-21. Mumcular’s standout performance in the final set, where she recorded nine kills, was crucial in solidifying the victory.
Upcoming Matches
Following this impressive win, Michigan State University will continue its season by traveling to Evanston, Illinois, where they are set to face Northwestern on October 3, 2025. Meanwhile, the University of Michigan will return home to host No. 12 Minnesota on October 1, 2025. This rivalry match not only boosts MSU’s momentum in the conference but also adds excitement to the upcoming schedule for both teams.
Background Context
This victory is especially significant for Michigan State, as it comes under the guidance of first-year head coach Kristen Kelsay. Kelsay’s leadership has been instrumental in helping the team to find their rhythm after a strong start to the season. With this win, MSU has now triumphed in four of their last five contests against Michigan dating back to the 2023 season. Both teams are gearing up for the challenges ahead in the highly competitive Big Ten Conference.
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Additional Resources
- Michigan Wolverines Official
- Wikipedia: Volleyball
- WLIX News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Volleyball
- State News
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