MSU volleyball sweeps Drake in Kathy DeBoer Invitational

Michigan State volleyball extended its win streak to 10 with a sweep of Drake in the Kathy DeBoer Invitational, finishing 10-0 in back‑to‑back seasons for the first time since 1975‑76. The Spartans are flawless with one game left before Big Ten play, leading the country with a .336 hitting percentage and receiving votes in this week’s AVCA rankings.

The team struggled against the Bulldogs in the first set, trailing by as many as five before taking the lead at 19‑18 thanks to a Drake hitting error. Service errors plagued MSU and contributed to its slow start; the team had six in the first set alone. Coach Kristen Kelsay said the errors begin to matter a lot more when they pile up. In the second and third sets, the Spartans dominated with two 25‑13 wins, winning the kill battle 29‑14 and leading 7‑2 in aces. Kelsay said cleaning up the errors was key to the back‑to‑back 12‑point wins.

Senior outside hitter Alanna Bankston returned to the lineup after missing the win against Oakland, posting a career‑high‑tying 18 kills, nine more than the next closest player. The offense responded with a .442 clip, and Kelsay praised the work put in since Oakland. The Spartans will wrap up non‑conference play against Wright State at 3 p.m. Saturday, with the game streaming on Big Ten Plus.

Read the full story at statenews.com.