Hennen, Smith recognized by Summit League; SDSU picked 8th

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SIOUX FALLS – South Dakota State seniors Makenzie Hennen and Ashlynn Smith were recognized by the Summit League as 2019 Volleyball Players to Watch.

Hennen, an All-Summit League honorable mention in 2018, started all 29 matches and was the team’s top all-around threat. She led the Jackrabbits in kills (340), kills per set (3.27) and attempts (1,098) while sitting second in digs (281), service aces (13), digs per set (2.70) and solo blocks (seven). From Jordan, Minnesota, she had two 20-kill matches, 18 10-kill matches and 13 double-doubles.

Smith started 25 of 29 matches for SDSU last season, finishing second on the team in kills (251) and kills per set (2.46). The Laporte, Indiana, native recorded a pair of double-doubles and had double-digit kills in 10 matches.

"Ashlynn and Kenzie will be key to our success this season," SDSU coach Nicole Cirillo said. "Our team continues to grow and compete every day this preseason, and we're ready to take the next step forward and perform at the level we expect."

SDSU's schedule features 11 home matches, including the two-day Comfort Suites University Jackrabbit Invitational (Sept. 20-21) and a Sept. 29 contest at the Sanford Pentagon for the annual Pink Game.

South Dakota State was tabbed eighth in the league's preseason coaches poll, earning 13 points.

2019 Summit League Volleyball Preseason Poll

Points (1st) 2018 Record (SL)

1. Denver 61 (5) 27-3 (15-0)

2. South Dakota 59 (4) 21-10 (13-3)

3. Omaha 51 17-12 (12-4)

T4. Purdue Fort Wayne 35 18-14 (8-8)

T4. Oral Roberts 35 9-19 (6-10)

6. North Dakota 31 14-18 (6-9)

7. North Dakota State 29 9-10 (6-10)

8. South Dakota State 13 6-23 (3-13)

9. Western Illinois 10 3-26 (2-14)