South Dakota State University (SDSU) is once again set to make waves on the national stage as the Jackrabbits prepare for their second straight appearance in the NCAA Volleyball Tournament. The team is set to face off against Arizona in a thrilling match scheduled for Friday night in Stanford, California. This accomplishment marks a significant milestone, as SDSU becomes the first team from the Summit League to receive consecutive at-large bids to the NCAA Tournament.
With an impressive 23-4 record, the Jackrabbits have demonstrated exceptional skills, resilience, and the determination of South Dakota athletes. SDSU’s head coach, Dan Georgalas, has been instrumental in nurturing this sporting culture, pushing his players to focus on their achievements and the positive momentum they’ve built, despite a recent defeat in the Summit League Tournament championship match against St. Thomas.
“The team has been really energetic and the level of competition, the way we’ve tried to create some pressure moments has produced a great version of our group the last couple days,” Georgalas said. “There’s been a consistent message of celebration. This is an exciting week. We all want to play December volleyball and hear our name across the TV [during the selection show].”
South Dakota State University
The journey to Stanford is laden with challenges and opportunities for the Jackrabbits. South Dakota’s geographical location and its athletic prowess make the state’s progress in NCAA sports a story of inspiration and fortitude. The state, known for its wide-open spaces and resilient communities, mirrors the determination seen in the SDSU volleyball team. This spirit is an essential part of what it means to be from the Mount Rushmore State.
Arizona, SDSU’s opponent, carries a competitive record of 16-12, having stood their ground in the Big 12 Conference with a 10-8 finish. The Wildcats, known for their vigorous gameplay, had three players recognized in the All-Big 12 Teams. Jordan Wilson, a standout senior outside hitter, was named to the first team with an outstanding 458 kills this season. Meanwhile, Carlie Cisneros and Avery Scoggins secured their spots on the second team, contributing significantly to Arizona’s performance.
“They’re a great team on film. I’m really excited for the matchup. They have a very outside dominant type of volume. A lot of volume and a lot of points coming from the left side. They have some middle blockers who score with power, but with offspeed too,” Georgalas remarked about their upcoming opponents.
SDSU’s journey hasn’t been devoid of hurdles. The Jackrabbits’ 17-straight-win streak came to a halt with their loss to St. Thomas. Yet, their resilience is reflected in their 31st position in the RPI rankings, a testament to their strength in playing a challenging non-conference schedule. Victories against South Florida and Northern Iowa, both of which made the NCAA Tournament, highlight South Dakota State’s powerful gameplay.
Senior middle blocker Sydni Schetnan also emphasized the value of their non-conference schedule in preparing them for adversaries like Arizona. “Playing against Minnesota, Dayton, South Florida, and UNI, they’re all great teams. We’ve experienced these big crowds, big teams, and big names, so it doesn’t make it as scary as when we first played against a big-name team [last year in the NCAA Tournament],” she noted.
For SDSU, the historical context of attempting to secure the first win in the tournament is significant. Throughout history, only two Summit League teams have won in the NCAA Tournament, with a persistent drive to overcome the 2-34 record within the league. The last victory was pronounced by Oral Roberts in 1997 against Arizona, a statistic that acts as both a motivator and a mark to surpass.
In this determined pursuit, Georgalas encourages his team to let the championship loss serve as a catalyst for greater achievements. “We’re not going to let that loss [to St. Thomas] beat us twice. We’ve done so many good things this season, over the last two years, and over the last six years during this transformation,” he affirmed.
The match, set to start at 6:30 p.m., promises to be a clash of determination, skill, and the relentless pursuit of victory emblematic of South Dakota’s vibrant sports spirit. Broadcasted on ESPN+, the game will capture the attention of fans and provide a stage for South Dakota State to potentially make history.
Bettering last year’s performance where they lost in the first round to Miami (FL), SDSU is set with renewed vigor and experience. Syndi Schetnan conveyed a readiness to harness their prior experience for a promising present moment. “This year, we are more prepared for this moment than we were last year,” she assured fans.
The anticipation surrounding the game extends beyond sports; it signifies the enduring values of perseverance, unity, and striving for excellence, hallmarking South Dakota’s character and its contribution to the field of sports.