Kansas City, MO – In a thrilling Summit League Volleyball Championship match on Tuesday night, the University of South Dakota Coyotes delivered a jaw-dropping performance, stunning the top-seeded South Dakota State Jackrabbits in a five-set thriller that will be remembered as one of the league’s most exciting finals in recent memory.
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With an eye on the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2007, the Jackrabbits (27-2) entered the match with a commanding 27-1 record and a sweep of the regular season series against their in-state rivals. After breezing through the first set and building an early lead, SDSU seemed poised to extend its dominance in the Summit League and secure the automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. However, the Coyotes (21-9) had other plans, showing resilience and determination to claim the win 3-2, clinching their fifth NCAA Tournament appearance.
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The match, which was held in front of a raucous crowd at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, featured intense back-and-forth action with both teams displaying the grit and skill that had earned them their respective spots in the championship match.
A Battle of the Titans
The Jackrabbits entered the match with the kind of momentum that comes with a stellar regular season. Their only loss of the year came to the Coyotes earlier in the season, but since then, SDSU had been unstoppable. On the other hand, USD, despite its impressive season, had been unable to overcome the Jackrabbits in their previous two meetings.
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South Dakota State looked poised to avoid any more surprises as they came out strong in the first set. SDSU dominated early, using a combination of powerful offensive firepower from outside hitter Sylvie Zgonc and impressive blocking from middle hitter Sydni Schetnan to quickly grab a 25-14 win. The Jackrabbits’ defense also stifled USD’s offensive rhythm, with setter Camryn Honn and libero Rachel Weiber providing excellent ball control.
For most teams, a 1-0 deficit in a championship match might be a cause for concern, but for USD, it was merely a wake-up call. The Coyotes stormed back in the second set, catching fire with their balanced offense. The combination of Kylen Sealock, who finished the match with 23 kills, and the versatile Cheyenne Hlady, who contributed 18 kills, proved to be too much for the Jackrabbits to contain. USD won the second set 25-21, taking control of the momentum and putting the pressure back on their rivals.
But SDSU wasn’t about to roll over. The Jackrabbits came back with a vengeance in the third set, once again using their dominant front line to edge out USD in a 25-22 victory. The powerful combination of Zgonc and Schetnan kept USD’s defense on their toes, and it seemed as though the Jackrabbits had regained the upper hand. However, as the match wore on, the intensity only increased.
The Turning Point
With the match now tied at 1-1, the fourth set proved to be a crucial turning point. In a thrilling back-and-forth, USD leaned on their depth and experience, with Lauren Medeck providing an all-around performance. Medeck, who not only recorded 13 kills but also registered 19 digs, played a pivotal role in both offense and defense. Kamryn Farris was also instrumental, adding 30 digs to the mix, allowing her team to maintain their energy and keep the Jackrabbits at bay.
The Coyotes pushed SDSU to the brink in the fourth set, winning 25-23 to force a decisive fifth set. As the set progressed, it became clear that USD’s determination and resolve were beginning to overwhelm the Jackrabbits. The Coyotes played with a renewed sense of urgency, knowing that they were only five points away from making history.
USD took an early lead in the fifth set, never letting go. SDSU struggled to find their rhythm, with some uncharacteristic errors creeping into their game. The Coyotes capitalized on these mistakes, winning the final set 15-10 and clinching the match.
USD’s Resilience Shines Through
When the final whistle blew, the celebration on the USD side of the court was one of sheer joy and disbelief. For a team that had been overshadowed by their in-state rivals for most of the season, this was a monumental victory. Their 3-2 win in the championship was a testament to their resilience, character, and the heart of a champion.
“I’m just so proud of the way the girls fought tonight,” said USD head coach Leanne Williamson. “They never gave up, even when it seemed like things weren’t going our way. We knew we had the talent to compete with anybody in this league, and tonight, we showed just how much heart we have as a team.”
The Coyotes’ ability to rebound after losing the first set and remain composed in the critical moments of the match was truly impressive. Their all-around effort, led by Sealock, Hlady, and Medeck, overwhelmed a Jackrabbit team that had been nearly flawless all season long.
“It was a battle from start to finish,” said Kylen Sealock, who was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. “We knew we had to give everything we had, and we just kept fighting. Every time we were down, we found a way to come back, and it was all worth it in the end.”
SDSU’s Bid to the NCAA Tournament
Despite the heartbreaking loss, the Jackrabbits’ impressive regular season may still be enough to earn them an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament. With a 27-2 overall record and having defeated several ranked teams throughout the season, SDSU is one of the strongest teams in the country.
“We’ve had an amazing season, and we know we’ve earned the right to compete at the next level,” said SDSU head coach Nicole Pesch. “We’re disappointed tonight, but we’re proud of what we’ve accomplished. We’ll regroup and get ready for the NCAA Tournament.”
While the loss stings, the Jackrabbits can still hold their heads high, knowing they’ve had one of the best seasons in school history.
What’s Next?
For the Coyotes, their win means they are heading back to the NCAA tournament, where they’ll have a chance to prove themselves on the national stage. The victory has already made a statement to the volleyball world: USD is a team to be reckoned with, and their Cinderella run in the Summit League tournament will be remembered as one of the greatest upsets in recent memory.
As for the Jackrabbits, while their path to the NCAA tournament is uncertain, their remarkable regular season leaves little doubt that they are among the elite teams in the country. Whether they receive an at-large bid or not, SDSU has proven they are capable of competing at the highest level, and the NCAA tournament would be lucky to have them.
The Summit League Championship final may have been a battle between rivals, but it was also a celebration of college volleyball at its finest – filled with drama, excitement, and unforgettable moments. For the USD Coyotes, it was a well-deserved triumph, and for the SDSU Jackrabbits, a reminder that in sports, anything can happen when the stakes are at their highest.
