South Dakota State University (SDSU) improved its record to 9-0 on Thursday night, defeating Idaho State 3-0 (25-19, 25-19, 25-18) at the Sanford Pentagon. This marks the best start for the Jackrabbits since they began the 2002 season with the same record.
The Jackrabbits hit .267 during the match and faced only six blocks from Idaho State, which is known for having the top blocking team in the country. Annalee Ventling-Brown led the team with seven kills and one error on 10 attempts, achieving a hitting percentage of .600. Sydni Schetnan closely followed with 10 kills on 18 errorless swings, resulting in a .556 hitting percentage.
Sylvie Zgonc recorded an impressive double-double with 11 kills and 12 digs, marking her sixth of the season. Alyssa Groves and Madison Burr each contributed six kills.
Rylee Martin also achieved a double-double, finishing with 18 assists and 10 digs. Camryn Honn added 15 assists and six digs.
As a team, the Jackrabbits registered five total blocks, led by three block assists from Burr and a combination of one solo block and two block assists from Ventling-Brown.
Idaho State’s top performers included Marci Bell and Sadie Bluth, who each recorded nine kills.
In the first set, after falling behind 7-4, SDSU rallied with a 7-1 run to take an 11-8 lead, sparked by back-to-back kills from Katie Van Egdom. The Jacks maintained their advantage and closed out the set with four straight points for a 25-19 win.
The second set began with Idaho State leading 4-1, but the Jackrabbits quickly narrowed the gap. Tied at 13, Ventling-Brown’s kill and Rachel Wieber’s ace shifted momentum to SDSU. The Jackrabbits pulled ahead with a five-point run, winning the set 25-19.
In the third set, SDSU surged to a 10-5 lead with contributions from multiple players and an ace from Honn. Although Idaho State closed to within three points at 19-16, SDSU finished strong, scoring six of the last eight points to win the match.
NOTES With their current record of 9-0, a victory on Friday would mark the Jackrabbits’ longest unbeaten start since 2000, when they began the season 14-0.
UP NEXT SDSU will face Toledo at 7 p.m. Friday at the Sanford Pentagon.
