August 26, 2024

MADISON, S.D. – The North Star Athletic Association (NSAA) has announced Dakota State's (S.D.) sophomore Kate VanRooyan as the Defender-of-the-Week, announced by the conference office Monday.  It is the second straight week that she had received this weekly honor.

VanRooyan, 5-foot-5 defensive specialist from Dakota Dunes, S.D. (Dakota Valley High School), led the Trojans' defense with 31 digs in 3-1 home opener victory over rival (RV) Dakota Wesleyan (S.D.) on Aug. 24.  She averaged 7.8 digs per set in DSU's lone match for the week.

VanRooyan registered a reception rate of 92.9 percent (1 error in 14 receptions) in the match.  She contributed six set assists, a service ace, and a kill.

VanRooyan leads Dakota State with 111 digs this season through five matches (5.6 digs per set), leading the North Star Athletic Association in total digs and digs per set. 

Dakota State (3-2 overall record, receiving votes – RV in the NAIA Women's Volleyball Coaches' Preseason Top 25 national poll) prepares for a busy week with five matches scheduled.  The Trojans host (RV) Morningside (Iowa) Wednesday evening with a junior varsity match at 5 p.m., followed by the varsity match at 7 p.m. at DSU Fieldhouse.  Swap 'Ur Swag will be held at the lobby, starting at 6:30 p.m. sponsored by the DSU Trojan Pride Committee.

DSU's varsity and junior varsity teams prepare for the Siouxland Invitational on Friday and Saturday in North Sioux City, S.D., and Sioux City, Iowa.