SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – South Dakota defensive specialist Sierra Pokharel was named the Summit League's Defensive Peak Performer of the Week for the first time in her career Tuesday.

Pokharel tallied double-digit digs in all three matches of the South Dakota Classic this past weekend. She put together her best performance as a Coyote in Saturday's five-set win over Northern Iowa with career highs of 32 digs and 11 assists for her first career double-double. 

Pokharel was one of multiple Coyotes who were at their best in the fifth set against UNI, as she had 10 of USD's 21 digs in the fifth to help the Coyotes earn their first win over Northern Iowa in program history.

Through two weeks of play, Pokharel ranks No. 58 in the NCAA and No. 2 in the Summit League in total digs (97).

South Dakota travels to Colorado and Wyoming this week for the UniWyo invite hosted by Colorado State and Wyoming. USD kicks off the invite on Thursday at 7 p.m. CT in Fort Collins, Colorado against Colorado State.  
 

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