Yotes fall in rivalry match aginst SDSU

The USD women’s volleyball team opened Summit League play with a loss to South Dakota State on Friday, Sept. 25. The Jackrabbits defeated the Coyotes in straight sets, 25-21, 25-20 and 25-18, inside the Sandford Coyote Sports Center.

A crowd of 2,664 attended the rivalry match, which moved the Coyotes to 7-5 overall and 0-1 in conference play.

Gabi Zachariasen led the Coyotes’ offense with nine kills, while Morgan Bode added eight and Amanda Loschen finished with seven.

Setter Avery Van Hook recorded 32 assists and one service ace. Lauren Medeck served two aces, while Bode added with an ace as well.

Medeck and Sierra Pokharel led the Coyotes’ defense with 10 digs each, while Cora Hokenstad added seven. 

Loschen led USD at the net with three blocks, Medeck and Nelson each contributed one as the Coyotes finished with four team blocks.

The opening set was the closest of the match, with USD recording 12 kills on .159 hitting. The Coyotes improved to .200 in the second set, but SDSU hit a match-best .382 with only two errors. 

USD was then limited to 10 kills and a .128 hitting percentage in the third set as the Jackrabbits completed the sweep.

The Coyotes will continue conference play on the road against St. Thomas on Oct. 1 before traveling to face Omaha on Oct. 3. 

Photo Credit: Kylie Krajicek