ST. PAUL, Minn. - The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference announced today that Southwest Minnesota State libero Kenzie Niesche has been named defensive player of the week.

Niesche, a native of Chaska, Minn., tallied a team-best 67 digs (7.44/set) for No. 15 SMSU this past weekend in two conference matches. Niesche collected a career-high 37 digs against No. 18 Wayne State on Saturday and was equally effective with 30 digs against Augustana on Friday. The freshman also had three assists on the weekend.

This marks the second time this season Niesche has been named NSIC Defensive Player of the Week.

Niesche currently leads SMSU with 474 digs (4.99/set).

SMSU (19-7, 9-5 NSIC) hosts No. 11 Minnesota Duluth and Bemidji State this weekend.