NSIC Release

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Southwest Minnesota State landed three players on the 2009 volleyball all-conference team released today by the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference.  Sophomore Devin Diedrich and freshman Mary Groth were named All-NSIC, while freshman Kenzie Niesche was named All-NSIC honorable selection.  Groth was also named NSIC Freshman of the Year.

Diedrich, a middle blocker from Braham, Minn., currently leads the Mustangs with 422 kills (4.06/set) and 82.0 (0.79/set) blocks.  The sophomore has been named NSIC Offensive Player of the Week twice this season and was selected to the Augustana Invite and Colorado Premier Challenge all-tournament teams.  She's experienced only three matches this season where she has not been in double figures in kills.  This was Diedrich's second all-conference honor as she was named All-NSIC honorable selection last season.

Groth, a middle blocker from West Bend, Wis., has put together a veteran-like performance during her rookie campaign at SMSU.  Groth has recorded 313 kills (3.52 set) in 2009 and twice been named NSIC Offensive Player of the Week.  The freshman made her way into the Mustang record book on Oct. 3 when she compiled a .714 hitting percentage against Minnesota, Crookston, setting a single-match record at SMSU.  Groth, who was named to the Augustana Invite All-Tournament Team in August, has also posted 21 double-figure kill matches and tallied 50.0 blocks on the season.
 
Niesche, a libero from Chaska, Minn., anchors SMSU's defensive effort and leads the Mustangs with 510 digs (4.90/set) so far this season.  The freshman has two NSIC Defensive Player of the Week selections under her belt and has compiled a trio of 30-dig matches.  Niesche also has aced 19 serves on the year.

This marks the second consecutive season SMSU has had the freshman of the year as Diedrich picked up the honor last year.

No. 13 SMSU (22-7, 12-5 NSIC) hosts Minnesota, Crookston tonight at 7 p.m.