Michigan State Tops Northwestern in Volleyball Match
The Spartans defeated the Wildcats in four sets during their recent Big Ten conference matchup.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Volleyball
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Michigan State secured a 3-1 victory over Northwestern in Evanston on October 17. The Spartans improved their conference standing while handing the Wildcats their eighth consecutive league loss.
Why it matters
The result significantly impacts the conference rankings as both teams look toward the end of the regular season. For Northwestern, the loss complicates their efforts to qualify for the upcoming Big Ten Tournament.
Michigan State dominated the net with 11 total blocks compared to only four for Northwestern. The Spartans maintained a .313 hitting percentage throughout the match, while the Wildcats finished at .212.
The players
Michigan State
This university athletic program competes in the Big Ten Conference and maintains a 15-3 overall record.
Northwestern
This Evanston-based university volleyball team is currently seeking to secure a spot in the postseason tournament.
Madi Andrews
She is a hitter for Michigan State who led all players in the match with 17 kills.
Bella Bullington
She is a Northwestern hitter who contributed 13 kills during the conference match.
Hayley Schaaf
She is a middle blocker who returned to the Northwestern lineup after being sidelined for five matches.
The details
Michigan State surged in the final two sets by recording 10 of their 11 total blocks after a slow start. Northwestern hitters Bella Bullington and Mara Štiglic led the team with 13 and 12 kills respectively, while Madi Andrews paced the Spartans with 17.
Timeline
The match between Michigan State and Northwestern took place on October 17, 2026.
Northwestern is scheduled to host Michigan on October 22, 2026.
The Big Ten Tournament is set to take place in late November 2026.
Season Trajectory
This loss marks a critical point in Northwestern's season as they struggle to climb out of the bottom of the conference standings. The team must now pivot to upcoming matches to maintain their hopes for a late-November tournament berth.
Northwestern now sits at 0-8 in conference play, creating an immediate need for wins in their remaining schedule to reach tournament eligibility. Michigan State continues to build on a strong 5-3 conference record that boosts their postseason positioning.
The takeaway
The game demonstrated the impact of defensive pressure at the net, as Michigan State significantly increased their blocking production in the final frames. Consistent defensive intensity remains a key requirement for any team hoping to secure a tournament spot.
What happens next
Northwestern will host Michigan on October 22, 2026. The program is working toward qualification for the Big Ten Tournament scheduled for late November 2026.
Further reading
For more updates on the team's standing, visit the Evanston Volleyball section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Daily Northwestern.
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