In the words of boxing ring announcer Michael Buffer: are you rrrrready?
The Falcons take on 6-0 Michigan State tonight in the first game of the Best Western Falcon Plaza Invitational, which is the first athletic event held in the Stroh Center.
“The Stroh is a great place,” said coach Denise Van De Walle. “We’re so blessed to be in it. We’re excited to play this weekend at home … it will be the first time for all of us.”
The Spartans, who have swept all six opponents, provide BG its toughest match of the season thus far. The Falcons are also entering the match sporting a sparkling 6-0 record. The first serve is set to begin at 6:00 p.m.
MSU has been dominant early on, hitting an impressive .336 clip as a team. Outside hitter Jenilee Rathje is living up to her preseason All-Big Ten selection with her team-leading 86 (4.78 per set) kills. Middle blocker Alexis Mathews, with 32 blocks, has acted as a wall for the Spartans. Her 6-foot-3-inch frame will be a difficult obstacle for the Falcons to get around.
“Michigan State is a very good team,” Van De Walle said. “They are big and athletic … they jump really well and hit the ball from a high point that we don’t always see in practice.”
BG should get a preview of where they stand in the Mid-American Conference East Division in playing MSU, as the Spartans beat Toledo (3-3) in three competitive sets last weekend.
Saturday morning, BG will meet a 4-4 Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville team. The Cougars have a strong utility player with setter Sammie Milton. She has posted 22 kills at a .467 clip to go along with 300 assists, 11 serving aces 62 digs and six blocks. Milton has distributed her assists evenly among her teammates, as five Cougars have recorded at least 50 kills.
The Falcons play Canisius College in their final match Saturday evening. The 4-2 Griffs, like the Cougars, have a solid setter in Janelle Davis. Davis has recorded 21 kills at a .450 clip, 177 assists, 47 digs and 10 serving aces.
“I think this is a very competitive tournament,” Van De Walle said. “All four teams can do some great things. It will be interesting to see how it all turns out.”
