MSU Volleyball Concludes Play At Jacksonville State Scrimmage
Jacksonville, Ala. – Taking to the court for the first competition in the David McFatrich era, the Mississippi State Bulldogs showed progress and potential in their first spring action on Saturday on the campus of Jacksonville State.
“I think we did a number of things very well today, but we still have some areas we have to improve in,” McFatrich said. “It was great to get on the court and play for the first time as a team. Now we have to get back in the gym and use these last couple practices to keep getting better.”
MSU started off the day against South Alabama, who it faced last season at Newell-Grissom. State would find itself down throughout most of the first set, but made a rally to pull within one at 20-19. MSU would later save three set points, but USA would go on to take the opening set, 25-23.
The Bulldogs put together a better showing in the second set, fueled by hard hitting and a well-rounded service game. A number of Payton Harris aces put MSU up 8-2 early. The Jaguars would rally, but MSU would keep its foes at bay, splitting sets with a 25-16 second-set win.
The day’s second scrimmage started as a back-and-forth affair between the Bulldogs and the Jacksonville State Gamecocks. Both sides traded time in the lead before JSU pulled away to take the first frame, 25-21. However, much like the first match, MSU would roar back into play in the second set, jumping out to an early lead and eventually taking it, 25-19.
Both sides agreed to play a third set, but it was cut short due to time constraints, with JSU leading 12-7.
MSU battled Georgia Tech in the day’s final scrimmage. The Yellow Jackets took the first set, 25-12, but would face a much tougher bunch of Bulldogs in the second frame. Solid plays from a number of MSU players, including Chelsea Duhs and Ericka Timberlake, highlighted a thrilling second set. After GT took the lead, Alex Warren would use her service game to help fend off some set points from GT, but the Yellow Jackets would go on to take it, 25-22.
Both sides agreed to play a third set, with GT taking it 15-9 to conclude the day.
State will finish out spring play on Wednesday, April 15, with the Maroon and White scrimmage. The intrasquad scrimmage is set for 5 p.m., at the Newell-Grissom Building.
For more information and updates on Mississippi State volleyball, fans can follow the Bulldogs on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram at HailStateVB.