Volleyball team on winning streak

The University of South Dakota Coyotes volleyball will host the Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis Jaguars in Summit League action on Saturday, Sept. 30th  at the DakotaDome.

This game will be the fifth conference contest for the Coyotes (8-7, 3-1 Summit League), who are coming off a road win against Nebraska-Omaha on Sept. 27.

The Jaguars (6-10, 1-4 Summit League) are coming off of a win against Southern Utah.

Coach Matt Houk said the Coyotes are hoping to be prepared for the Jaguars come Saturday.

“We’re going to be worried about our side of the net,” Houk said.

IUPUI has a balanced attack and tends to spread the ball more amongst its players.

Houk said USD is going to counter the strategy with their up-tempo offense.

“We’re going to stay with that,” Houk said, “It’s what we do well, we’re not going to change our offensive strategy.”

Senior middle blocker Tahnee Reed said she has confidence in the system Houk has them in.

“That’s really helped us this year,” said Reed.

While the team looks to continue working on their strengths, they will also try to work on their weaknesses. Houk said the team is still young and can work more on their consistency overall.

Freshman outside hitter Kendall Kritenbrink said she would also like to see the Coyotes play with intensity.

“Just playing our best, and not playing down to any other team’s level,” Kritenbrink said. “Our preseason schedule prepared us for our season in the Summit League.”

Even though the Coyotes are in a transitional period, there are some benefits to having a Summit League schedule.

“We’re going to see a good level of competition before we’re eligible instead of playing smaller schools,” Reed said.

Houk said the team’s game against IUPUI on Saturday will be another tough match for the Coyotes.

“I think (all the games are) key match-ups,” Houk said, “When you’re in a good conference, every match is important.”

Reach reporter Gabe Mambo at [email protected]