South Dakota State Volleyball Soars to Record Heights in Summit League
The South Dakota State Jackrabbits have become a symbol of excellence in the Summit League, achieving a flawless 16-0 record this season in conference play. This monumental achievement was capped off with a decisive victory over North Dakota, showcasing the remarkable capabilities of the SDSU volleyball team.
Nestled in the heart of Brookings, South Dakota, the First Bank & Trust Arena bore witness to the Jackrabbits’ triumph, a testament to the state’s growing prominence in collegiate sports. The Jackrabbits’ current standings show a commanding record of 49-6 over the last two seasons, signaling a resurgence for a team once languishing at the bottom of Division I rankings.
Senior Sydni Schetnan, a stalwart of the Jackrabbits roster, emphasized the team’s rigorous preparation and endurance. “It’s an awesome accomplishment, and it really gives kudos to everyone on this team,” Schetnan said. “Every game we have a target on our back, and we know that we’re going to get everyone’s best every single game.”
The dynamic offensive force, led by standout player Sylvie Zgonc, further cements South Dakota’s burgeoning reputation in the sport. Zgonc leads the league in kills, delivering 11 crucial points in the match against North Dakota.
Contact SDSU Volleyball for more information.
The influence of Coach Dan Georgalas cannot be overstated, as he has been pivotal in shifting the team’s culture toward excellence and high aspirations. “Our ceiling is even higher than we thought it would be,” he remarked, reflecting the ambitious spirit of the team as they steered toward an undefeated streak. This newfound motivation propels the Jackrabbits as they aim for glory in the Summit League Tournament hosted in Brookings.
- Rylee Martin contributed with 32 assists
- SDSU boasted a remarkable .349 team attack percentage
- Madison Burr and Hannah Klein each added significant kills in the decisive match
The Summit League volleyball tournament schedule is as follows:
- Sunday: No. 3 St. Thomas vs. No. 6 Omaha, 3 p.m.
- No. 4 NDSU vs. No. 5 Denver, 6 p.m.
- Monday: UST/UNO vs South Dakota, 3 p.m.
- NDSU/DU vs. SDSU, 6 p.m.
- Tuesday: Championship, 6 p.m.
The prospects for South Dakota State are brighter than ever as they continue to raise the bar not only for themselves but for collegiate volleyball in South Dakota. This season’s successes underscore a larger narrative of perseverance and the collective spirit harnessed by the team, emblematic of the broader South Dakota community’s passion for excellence.