OMAHA, Neb.-The Omaha volleyball team faced South Dakota Saturday night. Both teams entered the matchup 3-1 in conference play, tied for second place along with Denver, and North Dakota.
The Mavericks knew it was going to be tough sizing up against the Coyotes as sophomore right side Meagan Roth did not play for unknown reasons. Head coach Rose Shires opted to start freshman Kelli Nee in her spot. Junior Abby Bergsten and sophomore Chloe Dousette saw significant playing time.
Omaha quickly fell to a 4-0 deficit to begin the first set. But with their backs against the wall, the women clawed their way back to 11-11. For the majority of the set, Omaha kept South Dakota in check with many ties and lead changes. Eventually, the Mavericks pulled away by taking the first set 25-20.
The second set was nearly identical to the first. Once again, various lead changes and ties occurred which brought the score to 17-17. This is when South Dakota pulled away. They went on to complete the second set 25-20.
The Mavericks found themselves down early in the third set. The Coyotes possessed a commanding 17-8 lead. Just when it looked to be in the bag for South Dakota, Omaha rallied. They went on an 8-2 run to make it 19-17. Then the momentum shifted towards South Dakota, and they proceeded to win the third set 25-20.
Meagen Roth’s absence started to show during the fourth and final set. Nee and Dousette’s lack of chemistry overwhelmed the Mavericks with costly mistakes and miscommunication. South Dakota completed the fourth set 25-21 and won the match 3-1.
The Omaha Mavericks move to 6-12 on the season and 3-2 in conference play. The next game on the schedule is the North Dakota State Bison on Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. This game will be held in Fargo, North Dakota.
By- Harrison Popp, Operations Manager
