After ending a six-game skid earlier this week against Rutgers, Maryland volleyball will look to build momentum on the road against Michigan State.
The Spartans have outperformed expectations this season and will look to add to their homecourt dominance against the Terps on Sunday. Michigan State is 8–1 at home, with its only loss at the Breslin Center coming against No. 1 Nebraska.
First serve is set for 1 p.m. EST and will stream on Big Ten Plus.
Michigan State Spartans (14-3, 4-3 Big Ten)
2024 record: 13–18, 6–14 Big Ten
Head Coach Kristen
Kelsay has brought new energy to the Spartans in her first year at the helm. Her squad has already surpassed last season’s win total roughly halfway through regular-season play.
A former standout collegiate setter, Kelsay was the associate head coach at Minnesota for two seasons before returning to her alma mater to lead.
Kelsay succeeded Leah Johnson, who stepped down after three seasons. Kelsay has already set the record for most wins by a first-year head coach since 1974, a mark she secured after sweeping No. 22 Indiana on Sunday. In the Big Ten, Kelsay has had the best start through six games since 2017.
Players to Watch
Evie Doezema, senior opposite hitter, No. 12 — A four-year starter for Michigan State, Doezema is the only senior on the 2025 roster. She is hitting .301 while averaging 2.65 kills per set, career bests in both categories. The Spartans look to Doezema for offensive production and veteran leadership.
Malayah Long, redshirt freshman setter, No. 7 — Long earned Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors twice this season. Her arrival has been key to the Spartans’ improvement, as she ranked sixth in the conference in assists per set with 10.22.
Strength
Offensive production in all positions. At their best, Long runs a versatile attack with potent hitters across the net. Outside hitters Bianca Mumcular and Karolina Staniszewska are both hitting above .200 on the season, carrying the primary offensive load. Middle blocker Zuzanna Kulig is hitting .347 on the season and delivering in big moments, hitting .464 in conference play. Opposite hitter Evie Doezema is also hitting above .300 on the season.
Weakness
Back row defense. Against Big Ten opponents, the Spartans are second-to-last in digs per set and are the only team above .500 among the top eight in opponent hitting percentage at .253, tied with Maryland. Libero Lia Schneider has struggled against stronger Big Ten opponents, recording three digs against Nebraska on Friday.
Three things to watch
1. Serve and pass game. Maryland’s offensive struggles have been exacerbated by poor first contact. Maryland leads the Big Ten in receiving errors at 112, the only team with more than 100.
2. Offensive consistency. Outside of Malual, Maryland has struggled to find another offensive producer in big games. Against Rutgers, Maryland hit .341, its highest percentage of any conference matchup this season. Double-digit kills from both outside hitters were key to the victory, and something Maryland will look to replicate.
3. Libero play. After a slow start to conference play, Libero Ally Williams continues to anchor the back row. Williams is fifth in total digs in the Big Ten and recorded double-digit marks in three of the last four games.
