Wildcats down Jackrabbits

By: SDSU Athletics

MANHATTAN, Kan.—The South Dakota State volleyball team lost 3-0 (25-18, 25-18, 25-17) Tuesday to Kansas State in a nonconference match at Ahearn Field House.

“We just took too long in each set to get going. We came out flustered in that first set and give their student section credit for that,” head coach Phil McDaniel said. “Once we settled down, we realized that it’s still volleyball no matter who or where we are playing.”

Three Jackrabbits (4-8) had six kills each in the match. Junior Wagner Larson (Sioux Falls) was 6 of 16 and hit a team high .250. The middle hitter also had two block assists. Sophomore Kacey Herrmann (Rapid City) was 6 of 26 and added two block assists. Freshman Ashley Beaner (Sioux Falls) hit .143 with six kills.

Junior Alanna Pengilly (Watertown) had a match-high 13 digs.

Kansas State (10-1) had two Wildcats with 10 kills each. Brooke Sassin hit .381 with 10 kills and Kylee Zumach hit .318 with 10 kills.

“We need to tighten up our defense a bit this week as we head to another tournament. One final tune up before starting the conference run.”

South Dakota State returns to action Friday when it plays San Jose State at noon in the Chicago State Tournament.