The South Dakota State Jackrabbits entered the Summit League tournament with a 24‑31 record, a season that many described as underwhelming, yet the team turned the tide when it mattered most.
A Comeback for the Ages
In the championship clash against Oral Roberts, the Jackrabbits fell behind early, dropping the first game 4‑1, but rallied to a 9‑6 victory that sealed the conference title and an automatic berth in the NCAA tournament.
The win marks the second Summit League championship in program history and the first since 2013, ending a drought that had stretched over a decade and cementing the team’s resurgence under veteran coach Rob Bishop.
Senior pitcher Ty Madison, a native of Omaha, earned tournament MVP after logging ten innings while surrendering just one earned run, a performance that highlighted the staff’s depth and poise under pressure.
The all‑tournament team also featured Nic Werk, Nate Wachter, Luke Jones, Owen Siegert and Kaden Rylance, underscoring the breadth of talent that helped steer the Jackrabbits through a demanding weekend.
Coach Bishop praised his squad’s relentless mindset, noting that the players “always play hard even if they don’t always play well,” a philosophy that seemed to materialize on the field.
The excitement will crescendo on Monday at 11 a.m. when the NCAA Selection Show on ESPN2 reveals the Jackrabbits’ first‑round opponent and the site of their opening game.