BROOKINGS, S.D. – The Western Illinois volleyball team capped its 2015 season Saturday (Nov. 14) evening, as the Leathernecks hit the road to take on South Dakota State. The Purple and Gold were unable to get anything going, dropping a 3-0 decision. WIU finishes the 2015 season 3-28 overall and 1-15 in Summit League play.
 
"It's definitely disappointing to finish the season like this," said head coach Kelly Richardson. "SDSU came out and put everything they had on the court, and we just didn't answer back. We want to thank our seniors, Jordan (Jackson) and Peyton (Crosser), for everything they've given to our program. We continue to see a bright future for Western Illinois Volleyball, and are very grateful to our athletic department, university, and community for their continued support of our program."
 
Senior Peyton Crosser finished Saturday's contest with a team-high nine kills, and led the team with 12 digs. Jordan Jackson ended her WIU career with three kills and a block against the Jackrabbits.
 
After dropping the opening set, 25-12, the Purple and Gold found themselves in a position to take the second set. Western used three straight points to take a slim 10-9 lead over the Jackrabbits, as Lexi Kolschefski opened the run with a kill out of the middle. Kolschefski then paired up with fellow freshman Shiah Sanders for a block before a SDSU error capped the run.
 
The Jackrabbits responded, taking a 20-15 lead, before WIU answered with another 3-0 scoring run. Melanie Patenaude, Krishna Merriman, and Crosser tallied back-to-back-to-back kills to pull WIU with two. That would be the closest that Western would get down the stretch, as South Dakota State took the second set, 25-21. The home team would complete the 3-0 sweep with a 25-15 victory in the third and final set.
 
Western turns its attention to the offseason, as the Leathernecks finished their signing period inking four new members to the WIU family.