November, 12, 2025

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COLLEGIAN MEDIA SCHEDULE

FRIDAY, NOV. 14

1 p.m. — The Collegian Report

SATURDAY, NOV. 15

2 p.m. — Jackrabbit football vs. Illinois State (90.7 FM & YouTube)

TUESDAY, NOV. 18

7 p.m. — Jackrabbit volleyball vs. North Dakota (YouTube)

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 19

Next Issue of The Collegian

THURSDAY, NOV. 20

7 p.m. — Jackrabbit WBB vs. Gonzaga (Sioux Falls) (YouTube)

NESS SCHOOL SEES GROWTH IN NUMBERS

The Ness School of Management and Economics, housed within the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, has seen growth in recent years, and currently has over 1,300 students majoring in its programs.

— Ryann Davis, News Director ONLINE FRIDAY

JACKRABBIT BASKETBALL

SDSU basketball is in full swing. The women played the Murray State Racers Tuesday and the men travelled to Oregon to play the Ducks on Wednesday.

— Cordell Vitense, Sports Editor

WINTRODE FIRST-GEN STUDENT CELEBRATION

SDSU will celebrate the fourth annual First-Generation College Celebration Day on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Main Street in the Student Union.

— Amina Aidarkhanova, Reporter

ONLINE NOW ONLINE THURSDAY

SDSU POLICE DEPARTMENT DAILY CRIME LOG

SUNDAY, NOV. 2

• 1:48 a.m. — Ficticious/False ID, 800 block of Ninth Avenue

• 7:22 p.m. — Ficticious/False ID, Caldwell Hall

MONDAY, NOV. 3

• 9 p.m. — Suspicious Persons/Vehicle, Wellness Center

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 5

• 8:07 a.m. — Intentional Damage/ Vandalism, Larson Commons

• 10:24 a.m. — Intentional Damage Vandalism, Wellness Center

• 11:15 a.m. — Harassment, University Student Union

MADISON

BURR FEATURE

When watching South Dakota State’s volleyball team, it’s hard to miss Madison Burr, the 6-foot-1 middle blocker whose energy, competitiveness and athletic ability make her a key player for the Jacks.

ONLINE FRIDAY

THURSDAY, NOV. 6

• 1:02 p.m. — Harassment, SDSU Communications Center

• 1:49 p.m. — Protection Order Violation, University Student Union

FRIDAY, NOV. 7

• 12:04 a.m. — Suspicious Persons/ Vehicle, Pierson Hall

STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION

JACK’S CUPBOARD NEW VENTURE APPROVED

Wintrode representatives thank senators for serving

EMILY DECOCK

Editor-in-Chief

Faculty from the Wintrode Student Success and Opportunity Center addressed Students’ Association senators at the SA meeting on Monday night.

Jody Owen, Senior Director of Wintrode Student Success and Opportunity Center and Tina Birgen, Coordinator for Student Success and Opportunity thanks senators for serving.

Birgen said the Wintrode Center launched a new program to create selfhelp and social media reels. They can be found at the bottom of the MyState student dashboard.

The pilot program was successful last year, Birgen said.

“They did a first gen highlight, how to

stay motivated, online tutoring, check in for the first year advising center, you belong here,” Birgen said. “And that was one of the sense of belonging from several different campus partners where we created reels to help students know that they belong here.”

Wintrode also released Thanksgiving break room check and University Police Department safety tip reels.

SA voted to award Jack’s Cupboard with a $600 new venture fund to support the students who lead the group.

The $600 requested will not fund food purchases, according to the new venture fund request that Jack’s Cupboard submitted to SA. The funds will be used “for programming and outreach events, team bonding, training and volunteer appreciation.”

Jack’s Cupboard will be placed on the general budget for the 2027 fiscal year, which runs from July 2026 to June 2027.

The Pheasants Forever club was also added to the general budget for the 2027 fiscal year, which runs from July 2026 to June 2027. The amount they receive next year will be decided when senators determine the budget in the spring.

Senators had a first reading of an amendment to Students’ Association finance bylaws. SA chief of staff Emma Peterson said the amendment is being proposed because current finance bylaws are confusing and vague.

“We just wanted to clean it (the bylaws) up, make it more clear, easier for us and easier for clubs,” Peterson said.

Senator-at-large petitions will open Nov. 17. If you’re interested or want more information, email SA Vice President Wesley Siira at SDSU.SAVicePresident@ sdstate.edu.

SA ended Monday’s meeting with senators going into executive session for “new adviser discussion.” Current SA advisers are Micheala Willis, vice president of student affairs and enrollment management, and Chris Schmit, faculty member in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and director of the Water and Environmental Engineering Research Center.

Study abroad gives students a way to grow

SUSANNA SCHAEFER Reporter

One day you’re sipping coffee at Kool Beans. The next you’re walking out of a local coffee shop in Ireland.

For South Dakota State University students, that dream can become a reality through the university’s Education Abroad program. Every year, a group of students pack their bags and travel across the Atlantic Ocean to study in Carlow, Ireland.

This program allows students to see a different part of the world and gain new experiences while continuing their education. Many describe this as a oncein-a-lifetime opportunity.

During the 2024–2025 school year, 218 SDSU students studied abroad through different programs. Cassandra Stangeland, assistant director of Education Abroad, said an average of two to six SDSU students study at Carlow College each semester.

If you’re worried about the cost, you might be surprised to learn that Carlow and SDSU are comparable. Affordability and accessibility are important, Stangeland said. That affordability makes the idea of spending a semester in Ireland even more appealing.

Between scholarships and financial aid, SDSU tries to make studying abroad realistic for all students.

Emily Olson, an SDSU student who studied abroad in Carlow, said her time there changed her life. She described daily life in Ireland as calm and comforting.

“Carlow is small but beautiful,” Olson said. “Everyone has their own routine. There are a bunch of cute coffee shops like Brookings, so you feel like you’re at home.”

While studying abroad, SDSU students live in the Lennon House, a dorm right behind Carlow College. When Olson was abroad, she said the rooms came with many of the things a student needs, including sheets, pillows and towels.

“Each floor also had its own kitchen, bathrooms and laundry room, which

One of Olson’s favorite parts of Ireland was getting to know the Irish students.

“They were so curious about America,” she said. “Many asked about fast food in America and what high school was really like. They tend to think American high school is just like the movies, which was so funny to me.”

Stangeland said Ireland is the perfect spot for students who want to travel. Students can take weekend trips away from Carlow and even hop on a short flight to other European countries.

“Carlow can be the best of both worlds,” Stangland said. “It’s a small town that’s easy to explore but close to Dublin, so students can easily visit the capital city and beyond.”

Students are given a range of choices when applying for classes during study abroad. Classes like creative arts, English, history, media studies, political science, psychology, sociology or theology are offered. And for business or health majors, the nearby South East Technological University (SETU) offers classes in marketing, accounting and health sciences.

One thing that hooks students on this program is the opportunity to take a class called The Irish Experience, which includes field trips all across Ireland.

“Students get to go on day trips to places like Kilkenny Castle, the Cliffs of Moher and the Glendalough Heritage Center,” Stangeland said.

Erica Quam, an adviser in the School of Communication and Journalism at SDSU, said studying abroad helps students grow in ways that can’t be taught in a regular classroom.

“Students can learn so much about themselves and the world around them,” Quam said. “It’s an experience that will stay with you forever.”

After Olson finished her semester abroad, she came home feeling more confident and said she wouldn’t change her experience “for the world.”

When asked what advice she’d give to anyone thinking about studying abroad, Olson said,“Do it. There’s no better time than your college years to travel and you will never regret it.”

Local fitness studio expands Brookings location

ADDISON ZAVALA Reporter

B|Well Fitness Studio is undergoing a current major expansion, featuring new equipment and training areas for its increasingly growing fitness community.

B|Well is at 2118 Main Ave, and provides fitness classes such as mat method, sculpt, yoga and many more options. B|Well has additional training geared towards athletes and specialized training for individuals.

Owners Josh and Bri Fiedler started B|Well in Brookings in 2014. The company expanded to Sioux Falls and construction completed at that location in 2023. Most recently, B|Well moved their Brookings location to south Main Avenue, which oepned in June 2024. According to Josh Fiedler, B|Well is looking to break ground on a new Sioux Falls location in spring 2026.

“The expansion was driven by continued growth in membership and demand,” Bri Fiedler said.

With the company already being a popular hotspot for college students, Fiedler also says, “we wanted to create more space for our community, explore new advances in wellness services/amenities, and ultimately better support our members’ wellness journeys.”

Classes fill up fast, and if full, people are put on a waitlist to get into a class. With the expansion, there is hope for that to change, as Fiedler says one goal is, “providing more access to classes (aka: no more waitlists!).” This leaves greater opportunity for members to stay consistent and achieve their goals.

Although B|Well is still currently undergoing construction, instructor Rorie List is excited about what’s to come,” List said. “Once the expansion is complete I am most excited to see Bri’s ideas come to life.”

List explains, “Bri and Josh Fiedler have put their hearts into B|Well, I am inspired by them every day.”

With the expansion comes new roles and responsibilities for current workers and instructors at the company. List said, “I’ll do my best to complete my given tasks and with more space there are more tasks

that will come with that.”

B|Well isn’t just about the workouts, it’s also a place that allows people to challenge themselves and feel comfortable while doing it. Member Hailey McMahan explained what she likes most about the gym.

“I enjoy the pre planned workout and not having to come up with my own, as the instructors provide me the needed material,” McMahan said. “I also feel great after every class.”

Of the expansion, McMahan said she is “most excited to use the new ice baths, and have access to more classes.”

McMahan said she thinks that with the expansion, “classes won’t be as full, allowing more people to gain memberships and more people to workout in a less filled room.”

The expansion will include new equipment and training that is new to B|Well.

“We’ve added additional weight training equipment, upgraded mirrors, lighting and sound systems and expanded recovery options to include a commercial cold plunge, medical grade red light therapy and a custom 10 person infrared sauna,” Fiedler said. “The space also includes a new private treatment room for our growing Physiotherapy services with in-house PT.”

On top of new equipment, there will also be new training

“The new space allows us to introduce expanded strength classes, an additional infrared classroom, and a new cycling and kickboxing room,” Fiedler said.

List explained how important it is to have different ways to recover your body after a workout.

“Taking care of yourself comes with rest and recovery just as much as working out alone,” List said. “Having new opportunities to take care of your health in different ways is something that I think will help the studio grow and improve in the future.”

Although the expansion is still in progress and has been for about a year now, B|Well plans on hosting an open house to show off all the new amenities. No date is set.

ALDI grocery store grand opening next week

RYLEE BORSTAD Reporter

The first piece of the much-anticipated Brookings Marketplace development makes its debut in about a week. The Aldi grocery store opens Nov. 20 on the east side of the city near the intersection of sixth street and Interstate 29. City officials and South Dakota State University students say the development brings convenience and new opportunities to the community.

Mike Struck, Brookings community development director, said the plan to bring Aldi to Brookings has been in the works since 2021, when developer Ryan Companies first approached the city.

“They didn’t disclose the retailer at first,” Struck explained, but once the tenants were revealed, “it was exciting to our (City) Council.”

The city’s role, he said, was to provide developers with key data like traffic counts and housing growth to help companies decide if Brookings was the right place for them.

“Interstate visibility was a big factor,” Struck said. For students, the arrival of Aldi represents more than just another grocery option. SDSU junior Londyn Thorne, who lives off campus, said she’s excited because it is generally regarded as cheaper than many other grocery stores. Thorne said she expects the new store to change her shopping habits with healthier options and a different shopping experience.

“It gives me a new place to go,” she said. Thorne, who also works at Hy-Vee, acknowledged that new competition means existing stores will have to keep up, and added that Aldi will likely “attract more customers to town.”

She also noted that having more variety could help students and residents avoid traveling to larger cities for their shopping needs.

Deputy Mayor Nick Wendell agreed that the project fits into the city’s long-term vision for growth. He said the east side of Brookings, particularly on the way to Aurora, has become a “natural place for national retailers.”

As new residential developments emerge in that area, Wendell said, the city is being thoughtful in investing in the downtown at the same time.

They have a plan to invest in public art, bars and outdoor dining to ensure balance between new development and local businesses.

Struck affirmed this, noting that while some might worry about the impact on small businesses, the city sees this as a chance to expand the options for community members to choose where they want to buy groceries. He said the

ALDI’S GRAND OPENING

Opening Day: Nov. 20

Location: Brookings Marketplace; east of I-29 and north of Sixth Street. Next Buildings to Open: Target, Kwik Star

development could also help capture more of the regional market instead of people going to Watertown or Sioux Falls.

Wendell said community feedback about the new shopping center has been “overwhelmingly positive.” He emphasized that much of the construction work has gone to local contractors, keeping millions of dollars in the Brookings economy.

“When people shop in town, their tax dollars stay here,” he said, adding that additional sales tax revenue will be used to invest in parks, recreation spaces and local businesses.

City leaders are also preparing for the increased traffic near the new site. Struck said that work is underway to improve 32nd Avenue, with potential widening and lane designations on 34th Avenue to accommodate more visitors.

“We’re looking at improvements by early next week,” he said, noting that even small adjustments like driveway fixes and lane striping are being handled with care.

For many residents, the addition of Aldi and Target isn’t just about convenience it’s a sign of Brookings growth. Thorne said she hopes the city continues to attract more national retailers.

“Target will be a huge asset for the community,” she said. “Trader Joe’s would also be a good addition.”

As Brookings grows, city leaders and students seem to agree that the city is balancing new additions with old traditions well. Struck said what excites him most about Aldi’s arrival is “continuing to add diversity into the market” and giving residents more choices.

“It provides community options and gives people fewer reasons to go shop somewhere else,” he said.

The new future of art? SDSU art history class navigates complexities of AI

NADIA THUE Reporter

This semester some students have chosen to opt out of using artificial intelligence (AI) in the History of World Art I (ARTH 211) class while the SDSU School of Design works to navigate generative AI.

Ally Riester, a student in the class, opted out saying she is concerned about the pitfalls of AI. She chose not to use AI in her projects because of the negative environmental impacts and she encourages other students to do their own research. Riester worries about diminishing critical-thinking skills and ownership of intellectual property.

“The point of art is personal expression,” Riester said. “You don’t get that when you generate an image via a computer.”

She said she thinks AI has no place in the School of Design, but understands others may disagree. While she prefers not to use AI for ethical reasons, she is OK with class use if there is an opt-out option.

The ARTH 211 course outcomes include the use of generative AI tools. Professor Leda Cempellin holds a research doctorate in art history. She is part of an interdisciplinary team at SDSU studying how AI use affects students’ critical thinking through multiple lenses and models.

Faculty from graphic design, English, mathematics and statistics make up the rest of the team. Details of the study cannot be shared yet, but students may choose whether to participate. Cempellin acknowledges that today’s landscape is uncertain and respects students who opt out.

“I treat these as genuine conscientious objections that deserve respectful consideration, as they are a matter of

personal integrity that should not be compromised by course requirements,” Cempellin said.

Each design professor may allow AI on an assignment-by-assignment basis, following SDSU guidelines. Although SDSU does not currently have it’s own official AI policy, Director of the Board of Regents, Nathan Lukkes said the Regents are having conversations about AI at the Oct. 28 SDSU faculty Senate meeting.

“I wouldn’t say we’re tabling it. I also wouldn’t say that if there are any definitive answers,” Lukkes said. “There are AI work groups that exist on our campuses. And there’s coordination at the system level, trying to figure out how to get our hands around this.”

AI will not always be permitted because professors have a responsibility to train students to be critical thinkers.

But AI is here to stay. Since some students are already using AI, Cempellin feels responsible, as an art historian, to join the conversation to help shape healthier human-AI relationships.

“After working with generative AI for a while and engaging in scholarly conversations with artists and art historians around the world, as a humanist I have come to see it as both a mirror and a thermometer of our society,” Cempellin said. “It magnifies us at our best and at our worst.”

When used incorrectly, AI can prove to be detrimental. The university aims to learn how to train students to use new technology responsibly.

Other professors in the School of Design are also actively researching AI. Hamid Amini, an assistant professor who specializes in animation, initially reacted to AI with panic – designers feared they might lose their jobs.

“Now, we have a better understanding of AI,” Amini said. “AI is a tool to sometimes help us make the process faster. I am not scared of AI anymore because I

know how to use it.”

The future is uncertain, but Amini tries to reassure students that they don’t have to worry about losing their future jobs.

“Companies are developing AI. It will

be better, but on the other hand, we as artists and designers are defending our ground,” Amini said. “This is a phase. Sooner or later, we will find this harmony.”

was it like for you personally to see it for the first time?

A: I would describe it as magical. For me, winter was something that I have only seen in movies. Feeling the snow in my hands is pretty amazing. After creating the video, I immediately showed my parents. They were amazed as well. It’s hard to explain. Like getting to experience it firsthand, coming from a tropical country and seeing snow is different.

Q: If you could describe South Dakota in three words, what would it be?

A: Welcoming, kind and super fun.

Watch the Q & A on this week’s Collegian Report on Friday, Nov. 14. Every newscast can be found on the @SDSUCollegianMedia YouTube channel.

Pasindu’s most recent post on TikTok is of his first time seeing snow, posted on Nov. 8, 2025 in

PASINDU BIO

Name: Pasindu Perera

From: Sri Lanka

Major: Hospitality Management & Administration

Platform: TikTok

Follower Count: 2,160

Current Likes Count: 26.3K

Current Video Count: 42

Record gift to fund new soccer stadium

JORDAN RADDATZ Sports Reporter

The South Dakota State women’s soccer team will move to a new on-campus facility thanks to a leadership gift from a local company and family.

The project will move the team from the off-campus Fishback Soccer Park, located 2.5 miles from campus, to a location near the main athletics complex.

According to a news release from the SDSU athletic department, the gift is the largest in the university’s history for a women’s-only athletics project. University officials say the move is a critical step to elevate the program by enhancing the student-athlete experience.

Flandreau-based Dakota Layers, a regional egg producer, and the Ramsdell family are the lead donors. Scott Ramsdell, chief executive officer of Dakota Layers, said the gift reflects the family’s long-standing commitment to supporting opportunities for women athletes.

“The Ramsdell family and Dakota Layers are proud to support this essential project for South Dakota State University,” Ramsdell said in a statement. “This gift is an investment in the young women who represent SDSU and will help the

program reach new heights.”

SDSU President Barry Dunn said the gift is the beginning of a “new era” for the women’s soccer program, allowing the team to better integrate with the university community.

“Their investment is a vote of confidence in our student-athletes and the future of Jackrabbit Athletics,” Dunn said.

The new facility will feature a dedicated competition pitch, lighting, a new scoreboard, a permanent grandstand, a press box and covered benches. It will be located at the corner of Jackrabbit Avenue and North Campus Drive, east of Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium.

“We are deeply grateful for this gift,” SDSU Director of Athletics Justin Sell said. “It solves a crucial need for our soccer program and matches the standard for all Jackrabbit sports facilities.”

With the gift secured, the university will begin the design and planning process. While Dakota Layers has received naming rights, the stadium’s official name will be announced later. Construction is expected to begin in 2026, pending approval from the South Dakota Board of Regents and the South Dakota Legislature.

NEW SOCCER STADIUM GOES HERE

SDSU FALLS SHORT IN VERMILLION

Yotes hand Jacks third consecutive loss

CORDELL

VITENSE

Sports

Editor

The Jacks are now 7-3 following a loss to USD. SDSU will return home and try to get back on the right track when they host Illinois State.

USD

SDSU took their third straight loss of the season after a 24-17 defeat at the hands of the USD Coyotes.

Redshirt freshman Jack Henry made his first career start and completed 13 of 24 passes for 139 yards, one touchdown and one interception.

The leading rusher for the Jacks was wide receiver Jack Smith, who had three carries for 82 yards and a touchdown. Smith also led the team in receiving with six grabs for 61 yards.

USD quarterback Aidan Bouman completed 14 of his 21 passes for 158 yards and one touchdown.

Coyote running back L.J. Phillips Jr. had 27 carries for 168 yards and two touchdowns with a long of 32 yards.

Larenzo Fenner led the Coyotes in receiving with four catches for 68 yards and a touchdown.

SDSU started the game off strong with Jack Smith taking a toss 75 yards to the house on the first play from scrimmage to put SDSU on the board 7-0.

USD would respond with a methodical 15-play 70-yard drive that ended with a 10-yard Phillips Jr. touchdown run to tie the game up 7-7.

Smith would once again come up with a big play for SDSU when he would catch a 28-yard pass on a third and six. SDSU would eventually get three when Eli Stader knocked through a 40-yard field goal.

USD and SDSU would trade punts on the ensuing drives before USD eventually tied the game back up with a field goal of their own.

SDSU’s offense wouldn’t be able to respond and would once again punt and USD would make the Jackrabbits pay for it on a Bouman to Fenner 19-yard touchdown pass to take the lead 17-10.

Jack Henry and the SDSU offense would respond to even the game before half when Henry connected with Alex Bullock for a 27-yard touchdown. Eventually, the two teams would go into the half tied at 17-17.

USD would receive the ball out of half and after working their way into Jackrabbit territory, Phillips Jr. would break through the SDSU defense and score a 32-yard touchdown and put the Coyotes up 24-17.

The two teams would punt the remainder of the third quarter and with SDSU down seven in the fourth, Henry dropped back from the USD 28 and threw a ball into the endzone, but was picked off

by DeJaun Lewis.

USD would once again punt and SDSU would turn the ball over on downs and the Coyotes would win the game 24-17.

ILLINOIS STATE

SDSU will now return home to play the 7-3 Illinois State Redbirds on Saturday, Nov. 10 at 2 p.m.

Illinois State is currently ranked No. 14 in the FCS and with a 4-2 conference record they sit third in the Missouri Valley Conference, only behind North Dakota State and the University of South Dakota.

Some notable wins for the Redbirds this season include a 21-13 win over USD and a 52-20 win over the Indiana State Sycamores.

Some players to watch for the Redbirds include senior quarterback Tommy Rittenhouse who has thrown for

2070 yards and 25 touchdowns through 10 games this season. His 25 touchdowns leads the conference and he is fourth in the conference in passing yards.

Redbird running back Victor Dawson has had a solid senior season so far through 10 games. Dawson has tallied 616 rushing yards on 118 carries, which averages out to over five yards per carry. Even though Dawson has put up good rushing numbers, he has only found the endzone three times this season.

Senior Daniel Sobkowicz leads the team in receptions, yards and touchdowns with 42 receptions, 613 yards and eight touchdowns in just eight games.

Following the Illinois State game the Jacks will hit the road to take on the University of North Dakota.

BACK TO BACK TO BACK

Jackrabbit soccer team wins third straight Summit title

JORDAN RADDATZ

Sports Reporter

South Dakota State soccer defeated Oral Roberts University (ORU) 2-0 in the Summit League Women’s Soccer Championship game on Sunday. SDSU will now enter the NCAA Tournament and take on the Iowa Hawkeyes.

ORAL ROBERTS

Ellie Gusman scored the first goal in the eighth minute of play. Following the goal, ORU was shown three yellow cards within six minutes. In total, ORU out-fouled SDSU 9-2 throughout the first half. The Golden Eagles got three shots in the rest of the first period, but none connected. Adrianne Agbayani added to

the score in minute 72. ORU attempted a pair of shots late, but both were saved by Mallorie Benhart, giving the Jacks their third consecutive Summit League title.

Gusman and Jenna Maloy led the Jacks offense with two shots each. Four other Jackrabbit players shot once each for

the eight-shot total. Benhart made four saves on the afternoon. Genesis Helsley was the only Golden Eagle with multiple shots, having two on goal. Goalkeeper Eirini Manoukaraki made no saves; it was her second no-save game since playing the University of Arkansas Little Rock two months ago.

IOWA

SDSU will play the No. 5 seeded University of Iowa in the first round of the NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer Tournament. The Hawkeyes have an 11-44 record and a 6-2-3 record in the Big Ten. They finished third in conference record and ended up taking a loss to the University of Wisconsin in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals. They earned an

at-large bid for the NCAA tournament.

Freshman Liana Tarasco and graduate student Kenzie Roling lead the Hawkeyes offense with 36 shots each. Tarasco has 17 shots on goal with four goals and two assists, while Roling has 15 shots on goal with three goals.

Graduate student Kelli McGroarty has the third-most shots on the team with 35 and leads the Hawkeyes in goals with six.

Junior midfielder Sofia Bush has provided the most assists this season with six, while adding 26 shots and scoring one goal. The goalkeeping tandem of graduate student Taylor Kane and sophomore Fernanda Mayrink have combined for 56 saves this season.

The game is Friday at 5 p.m. in Iowa City and will be streamed on ESPN+.

Volleyball clinches first place SDSU claims regular season title after 14-0 start in Summit

CORDELL VITENSE

Sports

Editor

The South Dakota State Volleyball team has clinched the Summit League regular season title with two matches left before the Summit League Tournament.

After wins over North Dakota State and St. Thomas, SDSU now sits at a perfect 14-0 in conference and 20-3 overall.

NDSU

Last Thursday, SDSU defeated the Bison 3-1 in Fargo to complete the season sweep of North Dakota State.

Fifth-year senior Sydni Schetnan led the team in scoring against the Bison, getting her season high of 19.5 points on a season high 14 kills while also adding eight blocks.

Following close behind was junior Sylvie Zgonc, who totaled 19 points on 17 kills. Zgonc also managed another double-double on the season with 14 digs.

For the Bison, senior Baily Randall led the way in points with 16 on 13 kills and three service aces while also racking up nine digs.

Junior Ariana Blohm was the only other NDSU player in double figures for scoring. Blohm recorded 12.5 points with 10 kills and four total blocks.

In the first set, the Bison got off to an early 13-8 lead and would hold that lead until the Jackrabbits tied it up at 19-19 following a Hannah Klein kill. NDSU would then go up 22-19 but the Jacks would come storming back once again and tie the set at 23-23. NDSU went on to win the set 27-25 to take a 1-0 lead.

In the second set, it was the Jacks jumping out to an early lead with the score at 15-6. NDSU would close the gap, only down 22-19 but the SDSU lead would be too much to overcome and the Jackrabbits would take a 25-20 win to tie the match at 1-1.

The third set would start similarly to the second, with SDSU holding a 12-6

lead to start. But the Bison would go on a run to tie the set at 13-13. Eventually, NDSU took a 17-16 lead, but it wouldn’t last long, as the Jacks went on a 5-0 run to regain the lead at 21-16. SDSU would hold this lead the rest of the set and win 25-22.

The fourth started with a North Dakota State surge, with the Bison holding an 8-4 lead. SDSU would get their first lead of the set, taking a 10-9 lead. The Jacks would hold the lead the rest of the match and win 25-20 to get a 3-1 win.

ST. THOMAS

The Jackrabbits would follow up the North Dakota State win by going to Minnesota and defeating St. Thomas 3-1 last Saturday.

Zgonc led the Jacks in scoring with 21.5 total points on 19 kills while also tallying 16 digs. Zgonc was the only Jackrabbit in the match with double-digit kills. Another Jack that recorded a dou-

ble-double against the Tommies was sophomore Madison Burr, who got 10 points and 10 digs.

For the Tommies, freshman Anya Schmidt ended up leading the team in points with 16.5 on 15 kills.

Just like the NDSU match, SDSU ended up losing the first set after a close battle ended with the Tommies securing a 25-21 win.

In the second set, SDSU trailed St. Thomas 14-10 after holding an early 9-8 lead. The Jacks retook the lead 20-19 after a Tommies error. St. Thomas would tie the match at 25-25 before two straight Jackrabbit points gave SDSU the win.

The third set started tied at 7-7 before SDSU turned it on and jumped out to a 12-8 lead. The Jackrabbits wouldn’t look back from this point and went on to get a 25-16 win.

The fourth set started with SDSU leading 12-5 over the Tommies and this gap would be too much for the Tommies to claw back from as SDSU would go on to

win 25-18 and get a 3-1 win to stay perfect in conference play.

KANSAS CITY

The Jackrabbits will now hit the road for the third match in a row when they travel to Kansas City to take on the Roos.

Kansas City currently sits eighth in the conference with a 2-11 record, with the Roos currently on a six-match losing streak.

When the Roos traveled to Brookings earlier in the season, Kansas City was swept 3-0 and were outscored 75-52.

Redshirt freshman Lidisi Kpea leads the Roos with 236 points, 178 kills on 96 blocks, which is also a team high.

Sophomore Ryann Wattree is second on the team in total points with 217.5 points. Wattree does lead the team in kills, though, with 195 on the year.

After this, SDSU will return home to play their last match of the regular season against UND on Tuesday, Nov. 18.

KILLING THE GAME Zgonc balances pressure and success in junior season

CORDELL VITENSE

Sports Editor

Winning Summit League Freshman of the Year, followed by winning Summit League Player of the Year and helping lead a team to a Summit League Championship game is impressive.

That’s what Jackrabbit star Sylvie Zgonc did, all after being cut by a club volleyball team four years in a row before high school.

When Zgonc entered high school, she fell in love with the game thanks to her coaches and teammates. Zgonc attended Hamilton High School in Sussex, Wisconsin.

In her sophomore year, Zgonc played on a club team, where she realized she had a chance to play at the next level.

“We got a lot of interest from college coaches when we went to club tournaments and that’s when I realized, ‘Oh wait, I can actually do this. I can be recruited,’” Zgonc said. “I found it more exciting because I was like, ‘Wait, I can actually play with the big dogs out there.’”

Zgonc handled the expectations well and was named as an all-state selection twice while also helping her team win a high school state title.

After finishing high school with over 1400 kills, 800 digs and 120 blocks, Zgonc decided to come to Brookings to start her collegiate career. The jump from high school to college wasn’t as easy as Zgonc made it look.

“I think in general, just going from high school to college for any student is a very difficult jump,” Zgonc said. “Then you add on (that) it’s your first time balancing traveling, your first time balancing the college level and academics. So, it was really hard, actually.”

And even though Zgonc won Summit League Freshman of the Year, the team wasn’t as successful as Zgonc was indi-

vidually.

In 2023, Zgonc’s freshman season, SDSU volleyball was 9-20 overall, 7-9 in conference play and lost in the first round of the Summit League Tournament. The bright spot was Zgonc’s 413 points and 373 kills. Another freshman who showed some potential that season was Zgonc’s roommate, setter Rylee Martin.

Martin and Zgonc met during their junior year of high school when they took their official visits to SDSU. Zgonc even

stated that having Martin on her visit and their connection was part of the reason she committed to SDSU.

As Martin and Zgonc’s friendship has grown, so has their success. Last year, Zgonc and Martin helped the Jacks start their season by winning over 20 games in a row. Martin touched on Zgonc and how she is able to propel the Jacks.

“I think she’s kind of our rock. I mean, whenever we need a big play, we look to Sylvie. Whenever we need that huge play, I’m giving the ball to Sylvie,” Martin said.

The Jacks eventually made it to the Summit League Championship game before losing to the Coyotes in a 3-2 match. The Jacks also made it to the NCAA tournament and traveled to Lincoln, Nebraska, where they lost to Miami in the first round. Getting that experience in the tournament was exciting to Zgonc.

“That was such a fun place for us to end up last year, and again, looking back to my freshman year to now, seeing how far the program has come, that we finished the season in the Nebraska vol-

leyball gym,” Zgonc said.

But even with all the success last season, close isn’t enough for Zgonc.

“I mean, losing that game in five to USD last year is always going to be a huge motivator for us, especially because it was USD,” Zgonc said.

With success comes pressure, and Zgonc is doing her best not to let that pressure faze her in her third season as a Jack.

“I think that’s been one of my biggest struggles this year, honestly. Just thinking to myself, ‘Oh, I’ve been Player of the Year, I can do it again.’ But I have to put that aside,” Sgonc said. “I have to focus on winning a championship because ultimately that’s the end-of-the-year goal. It’s not for me to get Player of the Year again; it’s for our team to win a championship.”

Head coach Dan Georgalas echoed that sentiment.

“Your goal shouldn’t be to win Player of the Year again. Don’t put that pressure on yourself,” Georgalas said. “Sylvie wants our team to win more than she wants the individual awards.”

Even though Zgonc and the Jackrabbits’ goal isn’t another Player of the Year award but instead a championship, they might be in a position to accomplish both. Currently, Zgonc has 410 points and 371 kills, which are both top of the conference in overall total and per set. As for the team, they currently sit at the top of the Summit League standings at 14-0 in conference play.

Zgonc’s numbers aren’t the only big part of her game.

Her leadership has also become a huge factor.

“She’s always just looking to better every single person that she stands next to.” Martin said. “I would say that she’s

very selfless and she’s always just looking at how she can better her teammates and then better herself.”

Georgalas also thinks Zgonc’s leadership is a key for the Jacks’ success.

“I think what makes Sylvie unique is that she just kind of does it her own way,” Georgalas said. “Sylvie’s not the most vocal leader for us. She does a great job at being a quiet leader and leading by example and letting her play do the talking and things like that. Those are areas we’ve seen a lot of growth in and I think she does a great job at leading with her own personality.”

Even though Zgonc is focused on this season, she is also looking ahead to both her future, and SDSU’s.

“We want to leave the jersey better than we found it. And I hope that whoever wears my jersey after me wears it better than I wore it,” Zgonc said. “I think

that would be so cool to say ‘I played for Jackrabbit volleyball. I played for them in my college years and they’re still having success.’”

Even as much as Zgonc is practicing, studying and continuing to grow as a player, leader and person, she also finds time to pick up new hobbies. A few months ago, Zgonc started to learn how to play the ukulele and can now play a few songs. She said she wants to learn how to play a guitar but decided to start with the ukulele.

Zgonc’s goals after college are to play professionally overseas or in the United States. After her playing career is over, she wants to use her sport and recreation degree to coach or have a role in a college athletic department.