VB2K21: The Recap 6

October 31

#9 Ohio State 3, Michigan State 1

Setter Mac Podraza posted a match-high 42 assists to go along with 15 digs as ninth ranked Ohio State toppled Michigan State 3-1 (26-24, 15-25, 25-16, 25-22) on Halloween in Columbus.

Podraza led the home team that improved to 18-4, including 8-4 in the Big Ten, while Michigan State dropped to 9-12 and 2-10 in conference play.

"Nobody wants to peak in August, even in September, even October, really," Podraza said after the win. "I don't think we're peaking. I think we're on a steady incline going up. We're ready to keep going and keep playing. I think we're going to make a big run in the [NCAA] tournament and I'm excited to see how we're going to do."

Her teammate Gabby Gonzales led all players with 22 kills, while Arica Davis and Jenaisya Moore shared the team lead with four blocks assisted. The Buckeyes outlasted a gritty Michigan State squad in the first set before a rough second set which resulted in a loss. After that the Buckeyes put their feet on the gas and outplayed the Spartans for much of the rest of the afternoon in front of 2,141 hyper fans at the Covelli Center.

"What I said originally, 'everybody should watch out for Ohio State,' is still true," Podraza said. "I think we're making our names known and we're putting Buckeye volleyball back on the map."

Ohio State's head coach Jen Flynn Oldenburg is happy with her setter and impressed with her leadership skills this season. "I think she understands the game," the coach said. "She grew up with volleyball in her home. Her mom was a Hall of Fame player at Minnesota and a coach, so I think her volleyball IQ helps her understand what's working, what's not working and what she could do better. I think her biggest attribute is that she's a giver. She's a great leader, but does it in a way that serves the team and she's always trying to make people better.

Michigan State was led in kills by Sarah Franklin's 12 and in hitting with Naya Gros' percentage of .438 behind nine kills.

#16 UCLA 3, #8 Washington 0

Mac May had 18 kills and a hitting percentage of .424 to lead host UCLA (17-3) to a 3-1 (25-21, 25-17, 25-21) win over PAC-12 foe Washington (16-4). The Bruins also got 13 kills from Charitie Luper, who also collected four digs. Zoe Fleck led UCLA with 10 digs and Shelby Martin paced the squad with 40 assists. Washington was led by Samantha Drechsel and Claire Hoffman who had 10 kills each.

October 30

North Carolina A&T 3, Hampton 1

North Carolina A&T is now 16-8 and 8-4 in its first year in the Big South conference after stopping host Hampton 3-1 (25-19, 20-25, 25-7, 25-20). Naiya Sawtelle posted 15 kills and 17 digs for North Carolina A&T. Andrea Laboy-Rivera and Hannah Howell both led the Aggies with 19 digs. Shaylynn Hall gave North Carolina A&T a strong performance a the net with four blocks and eight kills on a .500 hitting percentage. Hampton (2-17, 1-11) got 19 digs from Jessica Pugh, who shared the game lead in that stat.

October 29

North Carolina State 3, Clemson 1

Melissa Evans led all players with 16 kills as North Carolina State travelled to beat Clemson 3-1 (25-21, 27-25, 17-25, 25-19). Evans hit .344 and was complemented with by play of teammate Jada Allen who had 10 kills on a .409 hitting percentage. Setter Kristen McDaniel posted 35 assists and 10 digs in the match for the Wolfpack. Cate Long and Kaylee Martin shared the team lead with 12 kills for Clemson. McKenna Slavik led all players with 44 assists and Azyah Dailey had a team best .364 hitting percentage behind seven kills.