EVANSVILLE, Ind.- University of Southern Indiana volleyball set a new attendance record of 1,220 fans in a tough-fought loss against Michigan State, falling to 1-3 on the season.
The previous attendance record was set in the 2024 season against rival Evansville with 824 Screaming Eagles fans.
Set 1: MSU 25, USI 16
The Screaming Eagles came out strong against the Spartans in the first set. The defense put up three blocks as a team, and out-dug the Spartans 18-13. USI held MSU to their lowest hitting percentage of .257 of the game in the first set. Junior Ashby Willis tallied four kills, leading the team.
Set 2: MSU 25, USI 18
USI held strong against the Spartans, holding up a wall at the net by doubling their team blocks to six, led by junior McKenzie Murphy, who had three. Freshman Carley Wright led the offense with four kills in the second set.
Set 3: MSU 25, USI 13
The final set was marked with Wright doubling her kills, connecting on another four. Freshman Mackenzie Nettles made her debut late in the set, helping the offense resettle. The Spartans overpowered the USI offense, holding their hit percent to .033, and going on a run of points to end the match.
For the game, Freshman Aysa Thomas set a new season-high with nine digs, Wright led the team with eight kills, and Murphy led the court with three blocks.
Up next, the Screaming Eagles will get on the road to the Michigan Invitational. Taking on Florida Atlantic University and Marshall University on Saturday, September 9, followed by the University of Michigan on Sunday.
