Kirk Danielson

The Jackrabbit Volleyball Team improved its home record to 6-1 this weekend by winning two of three matches in the Jackrabbit Invitational tournament. The Jacks dropped the opening game to #22-ranked New Mexico State, but then rebounded to defeat Lamar University and future Mid-Continent Conference rival University Missouri-Kansas City.

SDSU had two players on the all-tournament team, outside hitter Kristina Martin and middle hitter Amy Anderson.

New Mexico State defeated the Jackrabbits, 30-9, 30-16 and 30-25. In the match, Anderson led the Jackrabbits with 11 kills. Martin added 8 kills and 11 digs. Senior Kristie Klusaw also had 24 set assists.

“I wish we would have played better against New Mexico State, but that just made us play harder in the other games,” said Martin.

The Jacks used the extra effort to defeat the UMKC Kangaroos 3-1, with scores of 30-26, 27-30, 30-22 and 30-18. The Jacks’ offense had three players finish in double-figure kills. Martin registered 16 kills, Anderson had 14 and Mackenzie Angner added 10.

For the Jackrabbit defense, Anderson led the team with 7 blocks, and Samantha Pearson finished with 11 digs.

“We went in there knowing we had this game, and everybody played very, very well,” Klusaw said.

In addition to beating a future rival, the UMKC game marked a milestone for Head Coach Andrew Palileo. The victory was Palileo’s 200th career victory as a coach, and his 116th as the SDSU volleyball coach.

The game against Lamar University brought other milestones to the volleyball team. Martin became the 11th Jackrabbit in history to reach 1,000 career kills. Anderson moved into the Jackrabbit top ten for career blocks.

The Jacks defeated Lamar, 30-24, 30-25, and 30-20. Martin led the team with 17 kills while Laura Slagter added 12 kills. Pearson led the team defensively with 13 digs.

“I felt really good about that game,” said Pearson.

#1.884294:871835038.jpg:vball03.jpg:Kristie Klusaw prepares to set during the Sept. 19 game.: