The South Dakota State University (SDSU) volleyball team’s historic 2024 season came to a heartbreaking close on Friday night, as they were swept 3-0 by the No. 8 ranked Miami Hurricanes in the first round of the NCAA Volleyball Tournament at the Bob Devaney Sports Center in Lincoln, Nebraska. Despite a memorable season that saw the Jackrabbits post a remarkable 27-3 record, the team could not overcome the formidable Hurricanes, whose second-set rally ultimately proved too much for the Jacks to handle.
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The match ended with set scores of 25-17, 25-23, and 25-15, as Miami’s defense stifled SDSU’s offense throughout the contest. The Hurricanes will advance to the second round of the tournament, where they will face the winner of the Nebraska-Florida A&M match. For the Jackrabbits, their outstanding season ends with disappointment, but they can hold their heads high after a year of historic accomplishments.
A Season of Firsts for SDSU Volleyball
South Dakota State’s run in the 2024 NCAA Tournament marked a major milestone for the program, as it was the first time the Jackrabbits had ever qualified for the NCAA Tournament at the Division I level. With a record-breaking 27 wins, SDSU secured its best-ever finish in the NCAA Division I era, showcasing a season filled with triumphs, growth, and tremendous team chemistry.
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Head coach Krista Gerlach and her players had worked tirelessly throughout the season to prepare for this moment. SDSU’s success was largely driven by standout performances from key players such as sophomore outside hitter Sylvie Zgonc, senior middle blocker Sydni Schetnan, and setter Rylee Martin. These athletes played crucial roles in SDSU’s journey to the tournament, and their performances this year were among the best in the history of the program.
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Hurricanes Dominate with Aggressive Play
Miami, led by a balanced offensive attack and a solid defense, was a tough opponent for the Jackrabbits to handle. The Hurricanes came into the match as the No. 8 seed, boasting a 22-10 record. Despite a strong effort from SDSU, Miami’s well-rounded roster, led by senior outside hitter Flormarie Heredia Colon, proved too much for the Jackrabbits.
Heredia Colon was a standout for the Hurricanes, posting an impressive 21 kills at a .292 hitting percentage. She also added 13 digs, contributing to both Miami’s offensive and defensive efforts. Alongside Heredia Colon, Grace Lopez also provided a strong performance with a double-double of 12 kills and 10 digs, helping to solidify Miami’s dominance on the court.
In contrast, SDSU’s offense was stifled by the Hurricanes’ aggressive defense. Despite the best efforts of the Jackrabbits’ key players, Miami was able to consistently thwart their attacks, forcing SDSU into difficult situations and limiting their offensive output. SDSU managed only 26 kills in total compared to Miami’s 47, illustrating the disparity in offensive execution throughout the match.
The Turning Point: Set Two Rally
While the Jackrabbits struggled to gain momentum in the opening set, it was set two that proved to be the turning point in the match. SDSU opened the set with an impressive 11-3 lead, appearing poised to make a statement. The Jackrabbits were firing on all cylinders, with a combination of kills from Zgonc and an ace from libero Rachel Wieber contributing to a commanding 6-0 run.
But just as it seemed SDSU might take control of the match, Miami’s resilience began to shine through. The Hurricanes stormed back with a 7-0 run of their own, taking the lead at 15-14. Despite some strong efforts from SDSU, including kills from Zgonc and Katie Van Egdom, as well as an ace from Zgonc, the Jackrabbits could not hold on to their lead. Miami finished the set with three straight points, ultimately clinching a 25-23 victory.
This rally in set two was the key moment in the match, as it shifted the momentum firmly in favor of Miami. The Hurricanes’ ability to recover from a significant deficit and close out the set in dominant fashion set the tone for the rest of the match.
SDSU’s Struggles in Set Three
By the time set three rolled around, the Jackrabbits seemed to be mentally and physically exhausted from the two tough sets they had already played. Miami opened the final set with a punishing 8-1 run, putting the Jackrabbits in a hole they could not recover from. Despite some valiant efforts from Zgonc, Schetnan, and Alyssa Groves, who each recorded kills late in the set, SDSU could not find their rhythm.
Miami’s dominance in the third set was clear as they cruised to a 25-15 victory, clinching the match in straight sets. The Jackrabbits’ inability to regain control of the match in the third set was a stark contrast to their strong opening of set two, and the Hurricanes’ relentless offense and defense ultimately led to their victory.
SDSU’s Key Players: Strong Performances Amidst the Loss
Despite the tough loss, several SDSU players stood out with impressive individual performances. Sylvie Zgonc, who has been a key player throughout the season, posted nine kills but was held to a .000 hitting percentage due to Miami’s defense. She also contributed six digs and two blocks. Sydni Schetnan, who has been a defensive force for the Jackrabbits, recorded six kills and a team-high .211 hitting percentage, along with five blocks.
Rylee Martin had a strong all-around performance, notching a double-double with 12 assists and 10 digs, leading the Jackrabbits in both categories. Libero Rachel Wieber was also solid, recording 10 digs and a service ace, while Camryn Honn added eight assists and nine digs.
While the loss was disappointing, the individual performances from these players highlighted the depth of talent on the SDSU team. The future looks bright for the Jackrabbits, as they continue to build on their success in this historic season.
Moving Forward: The Future of SDSU Volleyball
Although the Jackrabbits’ run in the NCAA Tournament has come to an end, their remarkable season will be remembered as a historic achievement for the program. For a team that had never before qualified for the NCAA Tournament at the Division I level, their performance in 2024 represents a significant milestone.
As SDSU looks ahead to future seasons, the team will rely on the experience gained from this year’s tournament run to continue building a competitive program. With a strong roster that includes talented underclassmen and a coach who has already proven capable of leading the team to unprecedented heights, the Jackrabbits are poised to continue their ascent in NCAA volleyball.
While Friday night’s loss to Miami was a tough way to end the season, SDSU’s players, coaches, and fans can take pride in what was a historic and exciting year. The Jackrabbits may have been swept away by the Hurricanes, but their performance in 2024 has firmly established SDSU volleyball as a force to be reckoned with in the NCAA Tournament for years to come.
