The Mavericks are currently in second place in the Summit League at 7-2 in conference play (12-7 overall). Before going on its current seven-match winning streak, however, Omaha dropped its first two conference matches of the season to begin Summit League play. Now, the Mavericks have a chance to get even with the two teams that beat them as they host South Dakota State University and the University of South Dakota at Baxter Arena this week.
Weekend Slate
- Thursday, October 20, vs. South Dakota State (10-10, 4-4) at 7 p.m.
- Saturday, October 22, vs. South Dakota (18-2, 7-1) at 3 p.m.
- The Mavericks ended their consecutive sweep streak at six last week when North Dakota State became the first team to win a set from them since South Dakota State back on September 24. Omaha still emerged victorious over NDSU, two days after toppling North Dakota, giving them seven wins in a row and the third longest winning streak in the program's Division I history.
- Shayla McCormick was one of six Mavericks to set or tie a new career high in at least one category last week. Fresh off winning her first career offensive player of the week honor, she tied her career best with 21 kills against NDSU last Saturday. Likewise, Kali Jurgensmeier set a new career high with 13 kills against NDSU.
- Olivia Curry and Jaiden Centeno both set new career highs in assists vs. NDSU, as Curry topped 20 for the first time, finishing with 23, while Centeno recorded eight.
- Brilee Wieseler picked up 16 digs vs. NDSU, besting her previous career mark of 15 that she set back on September 29 vs. Western Illinois.
- Mariah Murdie made her first career start for the Mavericks against NDSU, earning three total blocks, two kills, and 3.5 points, all of which were her most yet in a single match.
The Jackrabbits are coming off back-to-back 1-3 losses to Kansas City and Oral Roberts last week. Earlier in the season, they hosted the Mavericks and came out on top in a narrow 3-2 victory. They enter this week at an even 10-10 overall and 4-4 in the conference.
Graduate student Crystal Burke is currently second in the Summit League in kills (353) and kill/set (4.25). Earlier this season, she racked up a match-leading 24 kills against the Mavericks, as well as 13 digs. Sophomore Reilly Raegen leads the league with 816 total assists and is top 10 in service aces with 21. She put up 43 assists, 14 digs, and two aces against the Mavericks back in September. Graduate student Sydney Andrew is SDSU's leading blocker with 77 total blocks and 1.01 blocks/set, both marks being top 10 in the Summit. Against the Mavericks, she blocked eight shots, including one solo block.
Series History
Through 71 matches, Omaha maintains the all-time lead over South Dakota State at 49-22. Prior to the Jackrabbits beating the Mavericks 3-2 earlier this season, Omaha had swept the 2021 season series with a pair of 3-0 victories.
Scouting South Dakota
Since losing 2-3 to North Dakota State on September 27, The Coyotes have won four straight, including consecutive 3-0 sweeps of Oral Roberts and Kansas City last week. They barely edged out the Mavericks in their previous meeting this year 3-2 at home. At 18-2 overall and 7-1 in the conference, USD maintains a half-game lead over the Mavericks for first place in the Summit League. Before coming to Omaha they will stop in Colorado for a match with Denver on Thursday night.
Junior Elizabeth Juhnke has won six offensive player of the week honors this season and leads the entire NCAA with 422 kills, while her 5.34 kills/set rank third. Against the Mavericks this year she set a new career best with 28 kills in the match. Junior Madison Harms is one of the most efficient attackers in the Summit, slotting in at third in hitting percentage at .369. She's also fourth in total blocks with 93. Facing the Mavericks, she recorded eight kills and seven blocks. Graduate student Lolo Weideman currently occupies the top spots in the league in service aces (36) and digs (372). She led USD with three aces and 19 digs in their match vs. Omaha.
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