Out of the 16 games in the second round of the NCAA Women’s Volleyball Tournament, only three were won by lower seeded teams — and Michigan was not one of them.
After sweeping Northern Kentucky (19-13) Friday night, the 22nd-ranked Wolverines (21-11) fell to No. 11 Kentucky (25-6) in straight sets Saturday night, as the Wildcats out-hit Michigan, .323 to .146, and sided-out over 15 percent higher.
EAST LANSING — Sophomore outside hitter Paige Jones and senior setter MacKenzi Welsh both stood frozen as the ball dropped between them. A last-second reaction by Welsh wasn’t enough to save the ball and prevent the Spartans from tying up the set. The entire band played the Michigan State fight song, drowning out any other sound that wanted to be heard inside the fieldhouse.
Senior setter Mackenzi Welsh got a dig on the ball, sending it back to junior libero Natalie Smith. Smith set the ball high outside to Welsh, who delivered a blistering attack between two Hawkeye blockers that found the hardwood on the opposite side of the court.
From small town champion to U-M asset, sophomore volleyball player Paige Jones has asserted herself as a driving force this season. Initially underestimated because of her size, Jones’ talent, hard work and leading team numbers prompt spectators to “just watch.”
Freshman middle blocker Jess Robinson goes up for the attack mirrored by two Gopher blockers. Her hand comes forward, delivering the attack. The ball collides with the defenders’ arms and falls to the floor — point, Minnesota. The Crisler Center is silent for the first time all night. The Gophers win.