George, Carter Lead Chicago State in Tournament Finale

East Lansing, Mich. (August 31, 2025) – Chicago State volleyball wrapped up play at the Michigan State Tournament on Sunday afternoon, battling hard in a three-set decision (25-11, 25-18, 25-16) against host Michigan State at the Breslin Events Center.

The Cougars showed steady improvement as the match progressed, highlighted by a strong third-set push where CSU recorded its best hitting percentage of the day and matched Michigan State point-for-point through the early stages.

Sophomore Nayella George led the way offensively with a team-high eight kills on an efficient .375 hitting percentage, while grad student Jocelyn Carter added eight kills of her own. Leah Linares Castro chipped in six kills and three digs, and setter Zeynep Ertam directed the offense with 12 assists while also contributing seven digs and a block. Defensively, libero Eliza Covrig anchored the back row with 10 digs.

At the net, the Cougars posted five team blocks, including two apiece from George and Tarcy Mayah, to slow down a Spartan attack that ranks among the Big Ten’s best.

Chicago State closes the tournament 0-2 but leaves East Lansing with valuable early-season experience and momentum. The Cougars return to action traveling to Madison, Wisconsin to compete in the University of Wisconsin Tournament on September 4-5.