EAST LANSING– After being shut out at home by a surging Western Michigan squad and having their record dropped to 4-3. Michigan State volleyball looks to return to form as they face Eastern Michigan in Ypsilanti. 

This is the 29th all-time matchup between the two, with MSU leading the series 21-8. The last matchup in 2022 resulted in a 3-2 victory for the Spartans. 

Both teams are entering the match seeking to bounce back, as EMU suffered a hard fought 3-2 loss at the hands of Duquesne, dropping their record on the season to 4-6. 

Offensively, the Eagles are looking for a big night from sophomore outside hitter Kaili Doctor, who has recorded 118 kills on the season, averaging 2.81 per set. She can also establish a defensive presence at the net, with 23 blocks assisted along two solo blocks so far. 

For the Spartans, the outside hitter trio of junior Akasha Anderson, junior Taylor Preston, and sophomore Taylah Holdem look to continue their offensive dominance. 

Anderson leads MSU in kills on the season with 78 and averages 3.25 per set, while Preston and Holdem are tied for second with 44 each. 

MSU also brings senior libero Nalani Iosia, who was awarded the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week following her performance over the Kathy Deboer invitational. 

She is up to 100 digs on the season, averaging 4.17 per set, and has contributed to the offensive with 30 assists on the year. 

EMU also brings some defensive prowess in the form of senior defensive specialist Hannah Blaney. She leads the Eagles in digs at 151 on the year, on a 3.68 per set average. She also ranks third on the roster for assists, with 46 for the campaign. 

MSU tries to get back in the win column against EMU on Sept. 16, with game time set for 6 p.m.