October 19, 2026
MADISON, S.D. — Dakota State (S.D.) senior defensive specialist
Kate VanRooyan was named the Erck Hotels/Frontier Conference Women's Volleyball Defender of the Week Monday, announced by the conference office. It marks her first career Frontier Conference weekly honor.
VanRooyan, a native of Dakota Dunes, S.D., anchored the Trojans' back-row defense during a perfect 3-0 week in Frontier Conference action at the DSU Fieldhouse. The Trojans highlighted their successful week with a 3-1 upset victory over No. 7-ranked Bellevue (Neb.), handing the Bruins their first conference loss of the season.
VanRooyan collected 70 digs in 11 sets, averaging an impressive 6.36 digs per set. She also contributed 14 set assists and two service aces during the three-match winning streak.
She opened the week by recording 26 digs, averaging 6.5 digs per set, in Dakota State's 3-1 victory over Bellevue on Oct. 14.
VanRooyan followed with a match-high 28 digs, averaging seven digs per set, in the Trojans' 3-1 victory over Carroll (Mont.) on Oct. 16. She also reached another significant career milestone during the match, moving into second place on Dakota State's all-time career digs list.
She concluded the week with 16 digs, averaging 5.33 digs per set, as Dakota State completed its perfect homestand with a 3-0 sweep over Rocky Mountain (Mont.) on Oct. 17.
VanRooyan currently has 2,124 career digs, ranking second in Dakota State women's volleyball program history. She surpassed former Trojan Sonja Kamrud, who previously held second place with 2,086 career digs. Peyton Groft holds the school record with 2,394 career digs.
The Trojans have won five consecutive Frontier Conference matches, including three straight victories at home last week.
Dakota State returns to Frontier Conference action this weekend with a pair of road matches in Montana. The Trojans visit Montana Tech in Butte Friday at 8 p.m. Central Time (7 p.m. Mountain Time) before traveling to Dillon Saturday to face Montana Western at 6 p.m. Central Time (5 p.m. Mountain Time).
