BROOKINGS, S.D. – Ari Miller and Jenna Miller each recorded career-high kill numbers as the Milwaukee volleyball team rallied from a 2-0 deficit, winning three straight sets for a 3-2 victory over South Dakota State on Friday evening. The Panthers (11-1) limited errors in the final three frames as they topped the Jackrabbits (3-8) in South Dakota.
 
"It was a hostile environment, but everyone brought it tonight," head coach Susie Johnson commented. "We needed everyone to bring it. The positive energy, effort, everything."
 
South Dakota came out strong and was extremely efficient in the first two frames, putting Milwaukee in its first 2-0 deficit this season. The Panthers were on their heels but never broke.
 
Carmen Heilemann and A. Miller got things rolling in the third set, putting away kills to get Milwaukee ahead early. The kills kept coming for the Panthers as they began to find their rhythm, using a 4-0 run to pull in front 17-10.
 
The Jackrabbits clawed back within three, but Milwaukee stood its ground, keeping South Dakota State off balance and an attack error and service error helped the Panthers earn their first set win 25-21.
 
Milwaukee carried its efficiency into the fourth frame, hitting .385 with 19 kills. The teams traded points back and forth early, but a trio of slams from Kleja Cerniauskaite fueled an 8-1 Panthers run for a 16-9 lead.
 
SDSU responded with a 5-1 run of its own, but Louise Kiekhofer came in clutch with two kills for a 23-19 advantage. The Jackrabbits put away two more to threaten but Cerniauskaite and J. Miller helped Milwaukee force a fifth set as they landed consecutive blows.
 
"Louise came in and was so effective," Johnson commented. "Our middles also did a great job and were efficient."
 
With the momentum in their hands, the Panthers came out swinging in the fifth as Cerniauskaite and Kylie Wilks combined for three kills and a 3-0 advantage. The three-point lead held until South Dakota State crept within one point at 9-8, but a service error gave MKE some breathing room and a two-point cushion.
 
From there, Panthers took away any doubt as the trio of A. Miller, Cerniauskaite, and J. Miller pounded home kills to help Milwaukee earn a 15-10 set five victory and complete the comeback.
 
"It was a complete team effort tonight," stated Johnson. We needed all 18 and everyone brought it."
A. Miller and J. Miller brought it once again, as they both registered career-highs. A. Miller put away 21 kills at a .357 clip while J. Miller notched 13 of her own in 22 swings (.545). Cerniauskaite also joined in double digits as she tacked on 12 kills.
 
Jess Grabowski put together a terrific defensive performance, leading four in double digit dig totals with 22. The sophomore also totaled 29 serve receptions without an error.
 
Rylie Vaughn recorded her seventh double-double of the season as she matched a season-high with 31 assists to go with 14 digs. Jenn Dore dished out 26 assists in the win.  
 
Milwaukee will look for its ninth straight victory tomorrow morning as they face Valparaiso at 10:00 am. Live coverage links for the match can be found on MKEPanthers.com.