MACOMB, Ill. - Junior Shay Birth set a South Dakota State 3-set record with 32 digs, but it came in a losing cause, as the Jackrabbits fell 3-0 to Western Illinois on Friday in Summit League action in Macomb, Ill.
The loss, by the set scores of 25-19, 25-17 and 29-27, drops the Jacks to 12-11 overall and 4-6 in the Summit League. The Fighting Leathernecks improve to an even 10-10 overall and 3-7 in league play.
"We need to play with more if a sense of urgency in each set," head coach Phil McDaniel said. We put together a disappointing effort on the road tonight."
Kelli Fiegen led the Jackrabbit offense with 13 kills, and added a pair of solo blocks and a block assist. Kaitlin Klingemann added seven kills in the loss, whild Ellyce Youngren and Lexi Fowler both finished with five kills. Ashley Bartek finished with four kills, but also added a three solo blocks and two block assists.
Birath's match-high 32 digs breaks the old mark of 28, set by Samantha Pearson against Louisiana-Lafayette on Aug. 31, 2007.
Katie Hosteng led the Leathernecks with 12 kills. Ann Miller finished with 11 kills and added 15 digs for a double-double. Bridget Murphy led the WIU defense with 25 digs.
The Jackrabbits return to action on Saturday in Indianapolis, Ind., against IUPUI, who dropped a 3-1 match to North Dakota State on Friday.
