LEXINGTON, KY. – South Dakota had three players receive recognition from the American Volleyball Coaches Association on the All-Midwest Region Team.
 
Madison Jurgens and Elizabeth Juhnke were named to the first team while Sami Slaughter was named honorable mention. Additionally, Juhnke was named Region Freshman of the Year.
 
Juhnke, a six-rotation player, leads the Summit League in kills per set (4.13) while ranking second in total kills (458), a total that currently sits seventh on the single season chart. The Lakeville, Minnesota, native, also had 71 total blocks and 330 digs on the season.
 
Jurgens, a sophomore setter from Odell, Nebraska, ranks fifth nationally in assists per set at 11.80. The Summit League Setter of the Year is also a six-rotation player who has contributed 294 digs and 41 service aces this season. Her 1,310 assists currently have her fifth on the single season chart.
 
Slaughter, a junior from Harrisburg, South Dakota, is the Coyotes second leading hitter with 390 kills, averaging 3.51 kills per set. The outside hitter also has 62 total blocks on the season.

"I am extremely proud of these three players," coach Leanne Williamson said. "They have all contributed so much to this team and program, and it is great to see that their hard work continues to be recognized.
 
"Madison has done such a great job this year of leading our offense and finding ways to put our hitters into situations that they are able to have success in. Elizabeth and Sami have been consistent contributors this season in their attacking, but what stands out is how they contribute in many areas of the game. I know that all three of them will be excited to be recognized not only in our conference, but among standouts across the Midwest region."

 
The trio helped South Dakota post a 16-0 Summit League slate to win its first outright league regular season title. The Coyotes are currently 29-2 overall heading into Tuesday's NIVC quarterfinal against UT-Arlington.
 
MIDWEST REGION
Name   School  Pos.      Year
 Lydia Bartalo    Denver OH      Jr.
 Anna Blaschko Omaha MB      Jr.
 Rachel Giustino Murray State    OH      Sr.
 Megan Hart      New Mexico State        MB      RS-Sr.
 Candelaria Herrera       Iowa State       MB      Jr.
 Eleanor Holthaus         Iowa State       RS       So.
 Kailey Jo Ince  Northern Colorado        OH      So.
 Elizabeth Juhnke          South Dakota   OH      Fr.
 Madison Jurgens          South Dakota   S         So.
 Rachel Koop** Northern Iowa S         RS-Sr.
 Olivia Lohmeier Morehead State           OH      Jr.
 Piper Mauck     Iowa State       S         Jr.
 Jamie Peterson Dayton OH      RS-So.
 Karlie Taylor***           Northern Iowa OH      Sr.
HONORABLE MENTION
Name   School  Pos.      Year
 Rylee Cookerly Valparaiso        L         Jr.
 Katelyn Evans  West Virginia   OH      Sr.
 Kathleen Reilly Western Michigan        L         Sr.
 Daisy Schultz   Northern Colorado        S         Jr.
 Samantha Slaughter     South Dakota   OH      Jr.
 Kathryn Wood  La Salle           S         Sr.
Player of the Year: Jamie Peterson, Dayton, OH, RS-So.
 
Freshman of the Year: Elizabeth Juhnke, South Dakota, OH
 
Coach of the Year: Bobbi Petersen, Northern Iowa