Discipline main factor behind Alyssa Garvelink's breakout junior season
Alyssa Garvelink has always had power in her game. Now a junior, her gained maturity and discipline is what has enabled her to take a leap forward this year.
Garvelink's breakout season is a key reason why the Spartans (16-4 overall, 5-3 Big Ten) are No. 11 in the country with a good chance at moving into the top 10 next week. Her career-best 18 kills, along with a season-high 10 blocks, helped MSU upset then-No. 3 Minnesota in East Lansing on Saturday.
"She has so much more discipline in what she's doing," head coach Cathy George said on Tuesday. "Just all of the attention to detail and the ability to put herself in a position to be effective. I think that's a big change from last year and she's healthy this year, she was a bit run down last year. I do feel that those things factor in."
In Big Ten play, Garvelink ranks in the top five of two categories – blocks per set (1.59, third) and hitting percentage (.393, fifth).
Garvelink said her approach going into to games has adjusted this year. Previously, she didn't make herself open to passes from the setter as often as she could have. This year, she's consistently making herself an option, and it's reflecting on the box score.
"I think there's more urgency as you're getting older," she said. "I wouldn't say you're more desperate but you're more urgent and mindful about every game and every point."
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Her teammates have noticed the difference. Junior setter Rachel Minarick said Garvelink has improved her maturity on the court emotionally, as well as her consistency.
"She tracks the ball better which is an important skill and I feel so much confidence in her as a setter knowing I can give her the ball in any situation, she'll be able to put it away," Minarick said.
Garvelink's consistency will be a factor moving forward as the Spartans approach the second half of Big Ten season. The first half will conclude at the end of week. MSU will host Rutgers at home Wednesday, before traveling to Columbus, Ohio on Saturday for a rematch against No. 19 Ohio State.
MSU is 9-2 at home this season, but just 3-2 on the road.
"That's been a big problem for us, creating our own energy on the road," Garvelink said. "It's definitely something that we're working on and we're building our own energy and momentum from that. It'll be a battle."
No. 11 MSU volleyball vs. Rutgers
When: 6 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Jenison Field House, East Lansing
Tickets: $5 (advanced) at MSUSpartans.com or 517-355-1610; $10 at the door
TV: Big Ten Network