BROOKINGS, S.D. - Following its season opener at Drake last weekend, Western Illinois volleyball (0-2, 0-1) found itself on the road once again for the start of Summit League play. South Dakota State (1-1, 1-0) acted as the host and took a 3-0 victory on Sunday afternoon.

Both teams traded points in the first few possessions of the opening set. Peyton Bowman's kill tied things up at eight, and SDSU quickly began a 6-1 scoring run immediately after. Mariah Mitchell and Kalynn Davis helped WIU stack up a few more points, but a notable attacking effort from the Jackrabbits allowed them to take set one, 25-21.

The second set opened similarly to the first in a tightly-played manner. Kennedy Davis netted two kills to start before Mitchell spiked one from the right side to have WIU trailing 7-5. SDSU rolled into a 9-2 burst up until Aubrey Putman stopped the bleeding with a strong hammer. The home squad, however, would again find success in its attacking game. A final 3-0 run finished out the period, 25-16.

Mitchell steadied her Leathernecks early in set three - netting three kills to make it an 8-7 deficit. Five straight points from the Jackrabbits led to a Western timeout. One possession later, another 5-0 boost followed suit, and SDSU ended things off in the third frame, 25-11.

Gabby DePersio's 12 digs led WIU on the defensive end. Mitchell and Emma Norris posted eight kills each, while Putman contributed four kills and four digs. Kennedy Davis had five kills, two blocks, and produced the Leathernecks' lone service ace. Cassie Hunt chipped in 20 assists. Both sides totaled four team blocks.

WIU will have a quick turnaround as it prepares for day two of the two-match series tomorrow (Feb. 1). Game time is again set for 1 p.m. on the Jackrabbits' home court.