EAST LANSING, Mich. — In a thrilling rivalry showdown at the Breslin Student Events Center, Michigan State’s volleyball team emerged victorious in the third annual Battle at Breslin, defeating Michigan 3-1 (20-25, 25-17, 25-18, 25-18) on Friday night. The Spartans delivered an all-around team performance that left fans on their feet and provided a significant boost to their season.
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“This was the best all-around team performance we’ve had to date,” said Michigan State head coach Leah Johnson after the match. “We’ve been working all week on becoming a better, more connected team. Tonight, they executed everything we had discussed, and I couldn’t be prouder of them.”
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The victory was a much-needed one for Michigan State, which improved its record to 10-16 (3-12 Big Ten) while Michigan fell to 16-10 (6-9 Big Ten). The Spartans’ dominant performance, especially in the final three sets, demonstrated their growth and unity as they head into a crucial road trip to Iowa City. On Sunday, the Spartans will take on Iowa (10-17, 4-11 Big Ten) at 3 PM ET, hoping to extend their momentum and close out the week on a high note.
Standout Performances Lead Spartans to Victory
Junior opposite hitter Akasha Anderson was undoubtedly the star of the night, leading Michigan State with 15 kills and a remarkable .500 hitting percentage. Anderson was efficient throughout the match, converting 15 of her 24 swings with only three errors. Her performance was pivotal in helping the Spartans bounce back after dropping the first set, and her consistency throughout the match kept Michigan on its heels.
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Joining Anderson in double-digit kills was junior outside hitter Taylor Preston, who contributed 13 kills and added eight digs. Preston’s steady presence on both offense and defense provided Michigan State with the balance it needed to turn the match around after the first set loss.
“Taylor’s ability to contribute in so many ways—attacking, passing, and digging—was crucial for us,” said Johnson. “Her leadership and resilience were key to our success.”
Senior opposite Aliyah Moore also stepped up in a big way, posting a season-high nine kills while hitting .348. Moore’s efforts helped stabilize the Spartans’ offense, particularly during the middle sets when Michigan was trying to regain control.
Defensive Dominance and Strong Blocking
Michigan State’s defense was equally impressive, with several players stepping up to stifle Michigan’s offensive attacks. Senior libero Nalani Iosia was the standout on the defensive side, recording a team-high 23 digs, more than any player on either team. Iosia’s relentless pursuit of the ball kept the Spartans’ defense in sync and allowed them to build momentum through long rallies.
“Iosia is always a rock for us,” Johnson said. “Her ability to keep the ball off the floor and keep our team in system is invaluable. Tonight, she showed exactly why she’s been such a vital part of this program.”
In addition to Iosia’s digging prowess, the Spartans excelled at the net. Sophomore middle blocker Zuzanna Kulig and junior middle blocker Evie Doezema each recorded five blocks, with Doezema matching her career high. Michigan State’s blocking game was relentless, as they out-blocked Michigan 10-2, preventing the Wolverines from building any sustained offensive runs. Michigan was also plagued by four blocking errors, which further compounded their struggles on the offensive side.
Aces and Service Efficiency
Serving was another area where Michigan State excelled. The Spartans finished with eight aces and only seven service errors—an impressive ratio that helped them maintain control throughout the match. Kulig and Muisenga were both instrumental in this area, each recording two aces. The Spartans’ ability to serve efficiently and consistently throughout the match allowed them to dictate the tempo and keep Michigan on its back foot.
“I think serving has been an area of focus for us all season,” Johnson explained. “We’ve worked on being aggressive without being reckless, and tonight we were able to put pressure on Michigan from the service line. It’s something we can continue to build on.”
The Battle’s Turning Point
While Michigan took the opening set 25-20, Michigan State quickly responded in the second set, dominating with a 25-17 win. The Spartans’ blocking game kicked into high gear during this set, allowing them to limit Michigan’s attack. The Wolverines were held to a .000 hitting percentage in the second set—a testament to Michigan State’s defensive dominance.
From there, Michigan State never looked back. In sets three and four, the Spartans continued their strong play, winning both 25-18. Michigan State’s offense was in full flow, hitting .250 for the match, with a particularly hot .407 hitting percentage in the fourth set. By the time the final whistle blew, Michigan had no answer for the all-around excellence of the Spartans.
Looking Ahead: Iowa and Beyond
With this victory, Michigan State is poised to finish the weekend strong as they head to Iowa City for a Sunday afternoon matchup with Iowa. The Spartans will look to build on this momentum and secure another victory against a struggling Iowa team. Despite their overall record, Michigan State has shown significant improvement in recent weeks, and Johnson is optimistic about the team’s continued growth.
“We’re starting to hit our stride at the right time,” Johnson said. “If we can carry the confidence and energy from tonight into Sunday’s match, we’ll put ourselves in a good position to finish the season strong.”
As Michigan State looks toward the future, the victory over Michigan serves as a reminder of the team’s resilience and potential. The Spartans have proven that when they play as a cohesive unit—leveraging their offensive and defensive strengths—they can compete with the best in the Big Ten. The Battle at Breslin was more than just a win; it was a statement.
For Michigan, the loss to their bitter rivals will undoubtedly sting, but they remain a dangerous team. With several key matches remaining, the Wolverines will need to regroup quickly if they want to remain in the hunt for a top spot in the Big Ten standings.
The Battle at Breslin has always been a thrilling contest, and Friday’s match was no exception. With Michigan State’s victory, this rivalry has once again delivered a memorable moment for the ages.
