DePaul University Athletics
DePaul University
Michigan State
Blue Demons Drop Match to No. 22 Michigan State
9/17/2016 12:00:00 AM | WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL
Box Score: Michigan State 3, DePaul 0 
EAST LANSING, Mich. - In the final match of the Spartan Classic and non-conference schedule, DePaul fell to No. 22 Michigan State, 3-0 (25-12, 25-23, 25-23). The Blue Demons finish the non-conference slate with an even 6-6 record, while Michigan State moves to 11-1.
Colleen Smith closed the weekend with a double-double for the Blue Demons with 19 assists and 12 digs. Smith was named to the All-Tournament Team at the end of the night.
Brittany Maxwell tied for the match-high in kills with 10. Maxwell and Caitlyn Coffey recorded a team-high three total blocks each.
Returning to the court on short rest, DePaul opened the match against Michigan State with a 3-3 tie. The Spartans recorded the next five points to grab the advantage. As the set continued, MSU built on its lead and eventually won the opening frame, 25-12.
The second set featured a strong answer from the Blue Demons. DePaul and Michigan State battled throughout the frame early that featured 12 ties and a score of 15-15. After this point in the set, MSU went on a 6-0 rally, but DePaul battled back. The Blue Demons rallied for four straight points, thanks to two Coffey service aces, and were back in the set, only down by two. Later in the frame, Jasmine King secured a kill that cut the deficit to one, 24-23, but the Spartans answered with set point.
Much like the second set, the third set featured tight play between the two teams. A total of eight ties early in the frame had neither side jumping out to a lead larger than three. With the score set at 15-all, the Spartans produced a 3-0 rally and held the lead late into the frame. Down by three at 21-18, a clutch 5-1 run by DePaul gave the Blue Demons the lead. The Spartans closed the set on a 3-0 rally and won the match.
Saturday marked the end of the non-conference slate for the Blue Demons. DePaul now looks to BIG EAST play when the Blue Demons open at Providence on Sept. 23 at 6 p.m. CT.
2016 Spartan Classic All-Tournament Team
Mere Serea, Maryland-Eastern Shore
Colleen Smith, DePaul
Jemma Yeadon, Notre Dame
Katie Higgins, Notre Dame
Alyssa Garvelink, Michigan State
Rachel Minarick, MIchigan State
MVP: Autumn Bailey, MIchigan State
