VERMILLION, S.D. – North Dakota State overcame a slow start to defeat South Dakota 3-1 (11-25, 25-20, 25-21, 25-22) in a Summit League match played Saturday, Sept. 23.
 
NDSU (10-3, 1-0 SL) is scheduled to play at South Dakota State (2-12, 0-1 SL) at 5 pm. Sunday, Sept. 24, in Brookings.
 
South Dakota (7-7, 1-1 SL) had its way in the first set, but the Bison bounced back with a balanced team effort to gain and hold the advantage in the remaining three sets to defeat the Coyotes.
 
North Dakota State and USD were tied 9-all in set two before the Bison opened a lead behind Brianna Rasmusson, Bella Lien and Allie Mauch. The score was tied at 8-8 in the third, but Erika Gelzinyte Rasmusson and Lien helped NDSU gain some wiggle room. It was nip-and-tuck in the fourth, tied at 8-all when Jessica Jorgensen, Gelzinyte, Burke, Lien and Rasmusson contributed to close out the league road win.
 
Rasmusson capped off a solid effort that included 33 assists, a career-high 26 digs, five kills and three blocks. NDSU rebounded to outhit the Coyotes .164 to .159 and hold a 9-6 edge in team blocks.
 
Gelzinyte led the Bison with 15 kills, while Burke had six of her final 11 kills in the fourth set, and Lien claimed 10 kills. Lien had a team-high five blocks, while Mauch added three and Burke had a pair solos.
 
Rasmusson led a group of four NDSU players with double-figure digs. Mikaela Purnell followed with 20 digs, Abbi Klos came up with 17 and Burke completed a double-double with 15.
 
Hayley Dotseth led South Dakota with 14 kills and 23 digs, Brittany Jessen had 44 assists, while Anne Rasmussen came up with a match-high 33 digs.