BROOKINGS, S.D. – North Dakota State defeated South Dakota State 3-0 (25-13, 25-21, 25-22) in a Summit League match played before 510 spectators in Frost Arena on Sunday, Sept. 24. The Bison have won seven straight matches.
 
NDSU (11-3, 2-0 SL) is scheduled to host preseason league favorite Denver (10-3, 1-0 SL) at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29, and Oral Roberts (5-9, 2-0 SL) at 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 1, in the Bentson Bunker Fieldhouse. Friday is Alumni Night and Sunday is Girls Scout Day.  
 
North Dakota State used an 8-0 run midway in the first set to establish the tone early. The Bison outhit SDSU .163 to .065, held a 9-1 advantage in service aces and had nine team blocks to six for the Jackrabbits.
 
NDSU freshmen Allie Mauch and Bella Lien both finished with five blocks to lead the blockade, while Brianna Rasmusson added three. Rasmusson had three of her four service aces when the Bison built a 6-2 lead in the first set. Emilee McGowan added a pair of aces.
 
Rasmusson also contributed 32 assists and 11 digs to complete her second 'double-double' of the weekend, sixth of the season and 37th of her career.
 
South Dakota State (2-13, 0-3 SL) kept things interesting, pulling to within two points several times late in set three including 24-22. However, Erika Gelzinyte delivered her 10th kill to end the rally and the match. Gelzinyte was the only Bison to reach double-figure kills and added 10 digs.
 
Mikaela Purnell led the Bison with 18 digs. She has 13 double-figure efforts this season and 68 in her career.
 
Ashlynn Smith led the Jackrabbits with 12 kills, while Maddie Fay and Mattison Munger combined for 28 assists. Ellie Benson recorded a match-high 19 digs.