EAST LANSING, Mich. (Oct. 18, 2019) – Rutgers volleyball (6-12, 0-7) dropped a Big Ten match in straight sets at Michigan State (13-4, 4-3) on Friday night by scores of 25-21, 25-18 and 25-11.
 

STANDOUT STATS

• Senior middle Jasmine Stackhouse posted six kills, followed by junior Kamila Cieslik's five.
• Senior libero Karysa Swackenberg led the digging efforts with 16.
• Freshman setter Caitlin Kikta had three consecutive service aces in the second set, adding to her eight assists.

KEY MOMENTS

• Set 1 | Despite falling in an 8-1 hole to start the match, the Scarlet Knights made a run at a comeback midway through the set with a 7-1 run of their own to close the gap to 18-14. Cieslik recorded a kill and an ace on consecutive points to spark the rally.
• Set 1 | Kikta served up three consecutive aces as part of a 4-0 run to bring Rutgers within two at 20-18, setting the rookie's career high in aces in the very first set.
• Set 2 | The Spartan's 9-0 run aided a 12-4 lead, but another comeback attempt was in order for RU, who rattled off a 9-1 spurt to tie the set at 14-14. Kikta passed out four assists during the run, while sophomore middle Merle Weidt helped on three blocks over the span of a 4-0 stint to knot the score.
• Set 2 | Michigan State responded with a 6-1 run to win the race to 20 on their way to the 25-18 final score.

KNIGHT NOTES

• Swackenberg's 16 digs moved the senior libero into fifth place all-time at Rutgers with 1,178 career scoops, moving past Courtney Mechling (1995-98).
• With two block assists on Friday, Stackhouse is now three away from setting a new school record in career block assists. She also takes sole possession of sixth place all-time at RU with 355 career total blocks, surpassing Ashleigh Young (2002-05).
• Kikta led the Scarlet Knights in service aces for the first time this season.

UP NEXT

The Scarlet Knights head back out on the road at Michigan State on Friday, Oct. 18 at 7 p.m. before the short trip to Michigan on Saturday, Oct. 19 at 7 p.m.
 
 
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