MILWAUKEE, Wis. – South Dakota finished off a 2-1 season opening weekend with a four-game win over New Hampshire, 21-25, 25-14, 25-19, 25-16, to conclude play at the Panther Invitational hosted by UW-Milwaukee at the Klotsche Center on Saturday.
 
Madison Jurgens and Taylor Wilson were South Dakota's selections to the all-tournament team.
 
Hayley Dotseth, a senior all-Summit League selection, led the Coyotes offensive attack with 17 kills, her second double figure kill outing of the young season.
 
South Dakota rebounded after dropping the first set to post three straight set victories using a combination of a strong offensive attack and for the third straight match, a strong blocking presence at the net.
 
"We started the match a little slow today," South Dakota coach Leanne Williamson said. "I was pleased with how we made a change in our mentality after the first set. We had great contributions from a lot of people.
 
"Our serving, passing and defense continue to be a strength for us."
 
The Coyotes registered 11 total blocks in a pair of matches on Friday and came back Saturday to have seven more. Taylor Wilson led the front row effort for the defense with one solo and three block assists.
 
Wilson was also a force at the net throughout the tournament and just missed finishing with her second double digit kill match of the season, finishing with nine.
 
"Taylor put together three really strong matches," Williamson said. "She blocked and attacked at a very high level.
 
"She followed the game plans well which led to a lot of success for her."
 
Elizabeth Loschen chipped in 11 kills while true freshman Claire Gerdes, seeing her first action of the season added five kills in one set.
 
Directing the offensive attack is redshirt freshman Madison Jurgens, who made her Coyotes debut this weekend, and finished Saturday's match with 41 assists, 18 digs and four kills.
 
"Madison had a great debut in a Coyotes uniform," Williamson said. "What she lacks in experience she makes up for with her competitiveness. She distributed the ball well and put our hitters in good spots to be successful."
 
Overall it is was a successful start to the season for a young South Dakota team, suffering only a four-set loss to Big Ten's Northwestern as Williamson made her return to her alma mater.
 
"Our team could not be more excited to be home next weekend," Williamson said. "We hope to see Coyote nation out in full force to see some high level volleyball in the SCSC."