SIOUX FALLS – South Dakota freshman Elizabeth Juhnke and senior Anne Rasmussen have been named Summit League volleyball athletes of the week, the league announced Tuesday.
 
Rasmussen, the libero, is honored for the sixth time this season as defensive player of the week, the most ever in Summit League history. The Oak Creek, Wisconsin, native, surpassed the 20 dig mark for the second time this season in a three-set match when she recorded 22 in a sweep over South Dakota State.
 
Honored for a Summit League record 12^th time in her career, she averaged 5.83 digs per set in wins over South Dakota State and North Dakota State. The reigning Summit League defensive player of the year is leading the league at 4.87 digs per set.
 
"Anne continues to impress throughout the season," coach Leanne Williamson said. "She continues to be determined to get better each day to help the team in whatever way she can."
 
Juhnke, an outside hitter, reached 20 kills in the three-set win over South Dakota State and recorded her 10^th double-double of the conference slate with a 16-kill, 13-dig performance against North Dakota State. Honored for the second time this season, Juhnke leads the Summit League at 4.13 kills per set and ranks 11^th in digs per set at 3.04.
 
"Elizabeth earned this award this week," said Williamson. "She played at such a high level and really helped the team to two big wins this week.
 
"I was happy to see how confident she played in all aspects of the game and I am looking forward to watching her continue to grow as the season progresses."
 
The Coyotes (25-1, 14-0 in Summit League) close the regular season with road matches on Friday at Western Illinois and Sunday at Purdue Fort Wayne.