MSU volleyball loses heartbreaker to No. 1 Nebraska

Moments after falling to No. 1 Nebraska on Saturday, the MSU volleyball team received a pep talk from members of the 1976 volleyball team. That team, which made it to the Elite Eight round of the tournament, had a few words to share about what it takes to succeed.

"We were all trying to keep it together, we were all kinda sick of the loss," senior outside hitter Chloe Reinig said. "We were all just bawling. They were talking about memories of the team and how much more there is than just the game of volleyball. We're ready to make big memories like that, big memories like they made and become a family like they still are."

The No. 20 Spartans had to settle for a moral victory, failing to complete a major upset after leading Nebraska 2-0. But there are reasons for the team to be optimistic. Now 12-2 for the season, this is the best start the program has had since 2013, a season that ended in a Sweet Sixteen berth.

MSU was unranked in the preseason polls. After entering the polls two weeks ago and going toe-to-toe with the unanimous No. 1 team in the country, the Spartans can't help but to be encouraged.

The 1976 volleyball team was honored during halftime on Saturday. Their season remains a high point in the team's history, and their experience impacted the current Spartan team on Saturday.

Reinig said they were impressed by how close the 1976 volleyball team remains today.

"It definitely meant a lot to hear after this game that there's more to volleyball," Reinig said. "There's actually another side of volleyball too, that is that family and that is that aspect of loving and trusting the person next to you."

Head coach Cathy George said this team's experience level is what sets it apart from the teams of the previous two years, which both finished 19-14.

"We have more experience this year, and we have physicality," George said. "The physicality is starting to show with a little more poise we're showing as we play, and execution. So our team is starting to do that, and we have to keep working on it just a little bit more.

Saturday's game was certainly physical. The Spartans showed great poise early on, but Nebraska hit hard all night. After committing just one error in the first set, MSU committed nine in the fourth, a sign that the team may have began to wear down.

However, players believe they made a statement.

"I think it means we can fight with the big dogs and we're not one to be underestimated," junior setter Rachel Minarick said.

MSU is experienced at key positions. Four starters — Reinig and outside hitters Autumn Bailey, Brooke Kranda, Autumn Christenson, were on the 2013 team. Similar to their 1976 counterparts, the Spartans have grown together and know what it takes to win. And they believe they're ready to take the next step.

"We're sick of being in the trenches and we just want to be on top now," Reinig said. "So I think we're finding our way there, and we really believe it this year. So watch out for us."