The No. 16 USC women’s volleyball team (14-5, 6-3 Big Ten) experienced a heartbreaking five-set loss (20-25, 22-25, 27-25, 25-20, 15-13) against Michigan State (8-12, 1-8) on Thursday night at the Galen Center. Despite strong individual performances and an early lead in the match, the Trojans were unable to hold off a resilient comeback from the Spartans, resulting in their first home conference loss of the season.
This hard-fought defeat marks a significant setback for USC, as they had taken an early 2-0 lead in the match. However, Michigan State’s powerful attack and determination ultimately turned the tide, culminating in a fifth-set win that handed the Trojans a tough loss in a closely contested match.
Game Highlights and Standout Player Performances
Despite the loss, there were several standout performances from USC’s key players, showcasing their strength and resilience throughout the match.
Mia Tuaniga’s Historic Performance
Senior setter Mia Tuaniga had an extraordinary game, not only contributing 49 assists but also reaching a major career milestone by recording her 4,000th career assist. In addition to her playmaking ability, Tuaniga also registered nine digs, five kills on an impressive .833 hitting, three blocks, and a service ace. Her contributions were critical to USC’s early success in the match. Tuaniga’s performance also helped her climb to fourth in USC history for career service aces, further solidifying her place in the program’s history.
Michigan State Women’s Volleyball (image via Getty)Ally Batenhorst and Jadyn Livings Shine
Graduate outside hitter Ally Batenhorst delivered a career-best performance, posting 23 kills while hitting .357. She also added seven digs and five blocks, providing a consistent offensive presence for USC. Freshman opposite hitter Jadyn Livings had an impressive double-double, recording 14 kills and 11 digs, along with three service aces and two blocks. Livings’ versatility and all-around contributions were key to USC’s competitive edge in the first two sets.
Set-by-Set Breakdown: USC Dominates Early, But Michigan State Fights Back
USC started the match with a commanding presence, winning the first two sets with relative ease. The Trojans took the first set 25-20, with Tuaniga’s 4,000th career assist setting up Batenhorst’s decisive kill. In the second set, USC continued their dominance, winning 25-22 after leading by as many as seven points. The Trojans’ defense was solid in these sets, with blocks from Tuaniga and Faumuina, and Livings contributing seven kills.
However, Michigan State came alive in the third set. The Spartans, led by Akasha Anderson, who delivered 12 kills, fought back and won a tight 27-25 third set. Anderson’s performance was a key factor in pushing Michigan State to a .250 hitting percentage, which significantly challenged USC’s defense. In the fourth set, Michigan State continued to push the tempo, with their offense clicking on all cylinders and hitting .522, ultimately securing a 25-20 win that forced the match into a decisive fifth set.
Spartans Clinch the Match in the Fifth Set
The fifth set proved to be a battle of nerves, with Michigan State taking a quick 4-0 lead. USC mounted several attempts to close the gap but ultimately could not recover, falling 15-13 in the final set. Anderson and her teammates held their ground, clinching the win and sealing a dramatic comeback victory for the Spartans.
Looking Ahead: USC Prepares for Upcoming Challenges
With this loss, USC’s all-time record against Michigan State now stands at 7-2, but this marks their first five-set loss to the Spartans since 2009. Despite the defeat, USC posted their 12th match of the season with double-digit blocks, further emphasizing their strong defensive play. The Trojans will be looking to bounce back in their next match.
USC’s next challenge will come against No. 3-ranked Penn State on Saturday, Oct. 26, at 8 p.m. PT in another critical Big Ten matchup. The game will be broadcast live on the Big Ten Network, and fans can rely on Etruesports for comprehensive coverage and insights as USC aims to recover from this tough loss and continue its pursuit of success in conference play.
Read also:- Vikings Fall to Winona State in Close Matchup | Etruesports
