BROOKINGS, S.D. — In a remarkable display of community support and enthusiasm for volleyball, the South Dakota State University (SDSU) Jackrabbits hosted the Nebraska Cornhuskers in a match that not only shattered attendance records but also highlighted the growth of the sport in the state. The event took place on Wednesday night at the First Bank and Trust Arena, marking a significant milestone for SDSU volleyball.
The matchup attracted a record-setting crowd of 5,113 fans, making it the largest attendance for a volleyball game in South Dakota history. The atmosphere was electric, with fans erupting in cheers every time the Jackrabbits scored against the top-ranked Cornhuskers. This turnout reflects the increasing popularity of volleyball in the region and the passionate support of the Brookings community.
SDSU senior outside hitter Sylvie Zgonc expressed her excitement about playing in front of such a large crowd, stating, "To play in front of 5,000 people in our home gym with the community of Brookings was just insane. I think this was so special for the state of South Dakota, for volleyball in South Dakota. That was an unreal experience." This sentiment encapsulates the pride and joy felt by players and fans alike during this historic event.
Head Coach Dan Georgalas emphasized the significance of this match in the context of the program's development. Reflecting on the journey from having only 255 fans during the spring of 2021 to hosting the number one team in the country, he remarked, "I’m just so grateful. This place is so much bigger than any one person and our players know that." The growth of the program has been remarkable, showcasing the dedication and hard work of the players and coaching staff.
Nebraska's head coach, Dani Busboom Kelly, also praised the Jackrabbit fans, noting the intensity and support from the crowd. "The crowd was awesome and they were into it and it was hostile. I thought there would be more red, so I think that was actually cool to see it be, you know, South Dakota State fans and them having a lot of pride," she said. This acknowledgment from a coach of a nationally recognized program underscores the impact of the local fanbase.
The match also held personal significance for Nebraska setter Bergen Reilly, a graduate of O'Gorman High School in South Dakota. With a strong contingent of family and friends in attendance, including her sister Raegen, who played volleyball at SDSU, Reilly shared her thoughts on the growth of volleyball in the state. "It’s awesome just how volleyball is growing around the country, but in South Dakota I think we’ve been just a little bit behind, so it’s cool to see us starting to catch up and yeah this is a big testament to that," she stated.
Despite the Cornhuskers sweeping the Jackrabbits in the match, SDSU managed to achieve a notable accomplishment by scoring 20 points in the second set, the highest number of points Nebraska has allowed in a set this season. This achievement serves as a silver lining for the Jackrabbits, indicating their competitive spirit and potential for future success.
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