September 16, 2024

MADISON, S.D. – Kate VanRooyan of Dakota State (S.D.) collected her third North Star Athletic Association Volleyball Defender-of-the-Week during the 2024 season, the fifth edition of the weekly conference volleyball awards were announced Monday.

VanRooyan, 5-foot-5 defensive specialist from Dakota Dunes, S.D. (Dakota Valley High School), tallied a season-high 33 digs in Trojans' 3-1 road victory at rival Dakota Wesleyan (S.D.) on Sept. 10.  It was the first time since the 2014-15 season that DSU had swept the season series with the Tigers (2-0 record versus DWU in a single season)

She averaged an impressive 8.3 digs per set and did not commit a single reception error in 14 receptions in DSU's lone match of the week.  She also contributed five set assists.

VanRooyan leads the North Star Athletic Association overall digs with 269 digs and digs per set with 5.5 digs per set for the Trojans. 

Dakota State (8-5 overall record, receiving votes – RV in the NAIA Women's Volleyball Coaches' Top 25 national poll) returns to action Friday evening.  The Trojans travel to Gordon Lozier Athletic Center as they open their North Star conference play versus No. 8 ranked Bellevue (Neb.).  First serve is set for 6 p.m.

The Trojans stay in Bellevue Saturday afternoon for a non-conference contest with Kansas Wesleyan at 1 p.m.