Join the Excitement: Maryland Volleyball Faces Off Against Michigan State This Sunday!

Maryland (8-9, 1-6 B1G) vs. Michigan State (14-2, 4-2 B1G)

October 19, 2025
Breslin Center
1:00 p.m.
B1G+

COLLEGE PARK, MD — The Maryland volleyball team is gearing up for a crucial match against Michigan State. They head to East Lansing this Sunday. The match will start at 1 p.m. ET and can be watched on Big Ten Plus.

Duru Gökçen is making waves this season. The sophomore leads the Big Ten in blocks with 85 total, showcasing her defensive skills. She recently earned Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week after an impressive performance at the UMBC Tournament, where she logged 20 kills and 21 blocks over three matches. Her standout moments include:

• Five blocks in a win against Old Dominion.
• Eight blocks and kills against William & Mary.
• Nine kills and six blocks against UMBC.

Just last week, she recorded her first career double-double against Coppin State with 12 kills and 12 blocks. Gökçen’s growth is not only vital for the team but also shows how a player’s hard work pays off.

Wednesday’s match was a turning point. Maryland found momentum in the second set and took their first conference win of the year against Rutgers. Key highlights include:

• Duru Gökçen’s six blocks helped her maintain the top spot in the Big Ten for total blocks.
• Ajack Malual made a mark with 21 kills, placing her fifth in the Big Ten with a total of 244 this season.

Season leaders are stepping up. Here’s a look at some of the top players for Maryland:

• Ajack Malual leads with 3.70 kills per set and tied her career-high against Rutgers.
• Lilly Wagner, in her first season, is averaging 8.17 assists per set and has recorded eight double-doubles.
• Ally Williams leads on defense with an average of 3.29 digs per set, posting a career-high of 22 digs against Coastal Carolina.

Malual’s strong performance continues. The transfer player had a record-setting weekend, achieving 20 kills against Davidson and 21 against Wake Forest. Her consistency has placed her on the radar in the Big Ten, demonstrating that newcomers can make a significant impact.

Scouting Michigan State. The Spartans have had a solid start this season with a record of 14-2. They’re led offensively by Karolina Staniszewska, who has 168 kills this season and averages 2.85 kills per set. Defensively, Breccan Scheck anchors their block with a team-high 44 blocks. Historically, Maryland has faced Michigan State 19 times, winning only five. Last season’s match also ended in a loss for the Terps, making this game particularly important.

Expert Insight: Analyst Mark Hayes notes that Maryland will need to capitalize on their strengths, particularly in defense, to compete effectively against Michigan State. He suggests focusing on strong serves and quick recoveries to shift the momentum.

Final thoughts: The upcoming match is crucial not just for standings but for building team confidence as they navigate through the Big Ten schedule. As the season progresses, every game is an opportunity to improve and show growth, both individually and as a team.

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