MACOMB- Ill.- The Western Illinois volleyball team (6-16) dropped a match against South Dakota on Friday night (Oct. 20), 3-0. The Leathernecks found early momentum in the first set but couldn't find traction in sets two and three.
 
The Leathernecks started fast by gaining a quick 4-0 lead because of kills from Shiah Sanders and Emma Norris and two Mackenzie Steckler aces. South Dakota quickly rebounded and went up 19-8 and won the set 25-11.
 
The second set went the Coyote's way as South Dakota started the set on a 9-2 run. Down 17-11, the Leathernecks won five of six points to pull within three, at 18-15, but the Coyotes were able to pull away and win the set, 25-17.
 
The Leathernecks attempting to rally to force a fourth set, during the match in which the Leathernecks wore pink jerseys in support of breast cancer awareness, but were unable to pull off their rallying cry.
 
Down 3-0, WIU put together four-straight points to take the lead in the third set eventually turning the deficient into a 6-4 advantage. In the middle of the set, the Coyotes rattled off six of the eight points to go ahead 19-12. The Leathernecks were not discouraged, as they scored four points to pull within three, at 19-16. South Dakota outlasted the Leathernecks to win the set 25-18.
 
Western plays host to Oral Roberts on Sunday, Oct. 22, at 1 p.m. in Western Hall.