Mississippi State rebounded from a rough start to the 2024 season with three convincing wins over the weekend at the Green Wave Classic in New Orleans, defeating host Tulane in four sets and then sweeping both Louisiana-Monroe and Grambling State.
The Bulldogs split a pair of close sets to start Friday evening’s match against the Green Wave, then dominated the third set and closed it out in the fourth for a 25-23, 24-26, 25-15, 25-21 victory. A 6-0 run in the third set broke an 8-8 tie and helped MSU take control. Karli Schmidt led the Bulldogs with 17 kills, while Kailin Newsome had another double-double with 16 kills and 16 digs. Amina Shackelford was also in double figures with 12 kills.
Erin Kline was the primary setter against Tulane with 34 assists to Ceci Harness’ 20. Freshman defensive specialist McKenna Yates finished with a match-high 17 digs.
MSU was in control throughout Saturday’s match against the Warhawks, a 25-11, 25-18, 25-15 win. The Bulldogs hit .330 for the match, including a red-hot .478 hitting percentage in the first set, while holding ULM to .040. Rebecca Walk had a perfect hitting percentage, with a kill on all five of her attacks.
Sunday’s 25-12, 25-17, 25-16 win over the Tigers was just as convincing. MSU scored the first nine points of the match and never looked back as Newsome had 11 kills to lead all players. Kline had 20 assists and Mary Neal 11 digs.
The Bulldogs (4-3) return to Newell-Grissom Building for home matches Thursday and Friday against Southern Miss to close out non-conference play.
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