The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
University of Texas
Arizona vs. Michigan State
Michigan State tops Arizona, 3-1, in NCAA First Round play
12.02.2011 | Volleyball
Dec. 2, 2011
AUSTIN, Texas - Kyndra Abron tied a career high with 22 kills to lead Michigan State to a 3-1 victory against Arizona in NCAA First Round play at Gregory Gym on Friday night.
The 18-25, 25-17, 25-20, 25-21 win improves Michigan State to 22-11 on the year. Arizona concludes its season in the NCAA opening round for the third-straight season, and the Wildcats finish 2011 with a 19-13 mark.
Abron's 22 kills on 36 swings led all hitters, and Jenilee Rathje and Alexis Matthews each contributed 10 kills for the Spartans. Senior Courtney Karst and freshman Madison Kingdon tallied 15 kills apiece to pace the Wildcats.
Arizona used a 7-3 run midway through the first set to take control of the stanza. Tied at 10-all, the Wildcats built a 17-13 advantage and never looked back. Three players paced Arizona's offense with four kills apiece in the set.
Behind seven kills in the set from Abron, Michigan State evened the match with a 25-17 win in the second. A sea-saw battle early, Michigan State used a 10-5 run to build a 17-12 edge, and the Spartans never saw their lead reduced below three the rest of the frame.
The Wildcats built a two-point advantage, but the Spartans battled back with a 6-1 run to close out the set with a 25-20 win. Abron led the way with six kills for the Spartans in the set.
Michigan State again had to dig out of a two-point deficit to claim the fourth set and ultimately the match. Arizona led 14-12, but the Spartans rallied to tie the match at 15-all. Michigan State then closed out the match with a 10-6 run.
