MACOMB, Ill. - Taking one of the Summit League's most dangerous offensive teams, Western Illinois volleyball (4-21, 3-11) welcomed South Dakota (14-8, 11-2) on Thursday evening (Nov. 4). The final result went to the visiting Coyotes in three sets (23-25, 24-26, 17-25).

In the first set, WIU began with an upper hand in plugging a 6-0 start. Emma Norris started strong with a few kills during the early lead, but USD piled in a 10-3 run to narrowly trail before going ahead 15-14. Norris kept her attack going, assisted by Kalynn Davis and Aubrey Putman. The Coyotes committed several errors throughout the period (six service errors), but hung on for a 25-23 win.

After a few tied scores were tabbed early in the second, USD branched out to a 14-11 lead before a Kalynn Davis service ace gave the Leathernecks a slight one-point edge. Three straight kills by USD had the Coyotes out in front again, 18-15. Peyton Bowman put WIU on her back with a flurry of points scored from kills and blocks as Western reached set point (24-23). However, USD rang three straight to end a 26-24 decision.

The Coyotes scored five of six attempts in the third set, placing a 10-5 lead. Four consecutive attacking errors by the visitors allowed WIU to tie things at 10-10, but USD regained its composure to maintain a lead during a stretch of 'seesaw play.' A final 5-2 run ended the night in a sweep, as USD took set three, 25-17.

Norris' 11 kills were a team-best and the fifth-year's second-highest mark of the season. Maggie Craker added a double-double of 23 assists and 11 digs. Bowman had seven kills, while a trio of Leathernecks added four apiece. Karli Wenzel led the defense with 15 digs.

WIU has a pair of home games left on its regular-season slate, bringing in South Dakota State on Sunday (Nov. 7).