Gophers sweep Michigan State, continue run of success in volleyball

The Gophers, propelled by Julia Hanson’s 16 kills and 10 digs, won for the sixth time in seven matches.

The Minnesota Star Tribune
November 2, 2024 at 1:05AM
Gophers outside hitter Julia Hanson, shown in September against Wisconsin, leaps for a spike. (Aaron Lavinsky/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Julia Hanson had 16 kills and 10 digs and McKenna Wucherer contributed 11 kills to pace the No. 15 Gophers volleyball team to a 25-15, 25-15, 28-26 sweep of Michigan State in East Lansing, Mich.

The victory was the sixth in the past seven matches for the Gophers (15-6, 8-3 Big Ten).

Lydia Grote had nine kills and Melani Shaffmaster had four kills, five digs and 35 set assists for the Gophers, who play at Michigan on Sunday.

“I definitely think we can build on this win,” senior setter Melani Shaffmaster said. “Towards the end of each of the sets, we let the other team get on a run and that’s been a thing the past few games. We need to be able to finish the games and not let teams go on three- and four-point runs. We can’t get too complacent.”

The Gophers hit .350, their ninth time hitting over .300 in a match this season. They held MSU to .151 hitting.

Taylor Preston had nine kills to lead the Spartans (8-14, 1-10).

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Joel Rippel

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Joel Rippel writes about sports for the Star Tribune.

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