SIOUX FALLS – South Dakota freshman outside hitter Elizabeth Juhnke has been named the Summit League offensive player of the week, the league announced Tuesday.
 
Juhnke, a native of Lakeville, Minnesota, enjoyed a strong opening to her collegiate career as the Coyotes posted a 3-0 mark to open the season by winning the IUPUI Invitational.
 
Juhnke totaled 52 kills on 120 attempts, good for a .308 hitting percentage, while she also recorded 34 digs and 10 total blocks while playing all six rotations.
 
She became the first freshman under coach Leanne Williamson to record a 20-plus kill contest when she exploded for 23 on just three errors and a .426 hitting percentage in a four-set win over Valparaiso.
 
"This is a great award for a freshman to achieve in her first weekend of play," said Williamson. "We saw Elizabeth progress a lot over the weekend and become very dominant on the court. She hit with range, blocked at a high level and played great defense.
 
"I think people will enjoy watching her play this year!"
 
South Dakota (3-0) faces Iowa State in a non-conference contest on Tuesday before participating in the Kansas City Kangaroo Klassic this weekend.