SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - Days after wrapping its 2021 fall campaign, Western Illinois volleyball received news on Wednesday morning (Nov. 24) that two of its underclassmen were awarded league honors following impressive college debut seasons.

First-years Karli Wenzel and Brittany Wulf were named to the All-Summit League Freshmen Team, announced by the league office. They are the first Leathernecks to make an All-Summit selection since Mackenzie Steckler earned an honorable mention nod back in 2017.

"It's not easy to play as a freshman at this level but both of these student-athletes made the most of their opportunities they were given and excelled," said WIU head volleyball coach Ben Staupe. "As a staff and team, we are excited to see them continue to develop and help guide this program in a positive direction."

An agile defensive specialist, Wenzel began to take on a starter role in early September. A road match at Omaha (Sept. 25) witnessed the Manteno, Ill. native register 23 digs -- the highest total in a three-set match by any Summit League individual at the time. That performance additionally was the first of four consecutive showings of 21 or more digs by Wenzel. She tallied 17 matches of double-digit figures in digs and posted a single-match, career-high (27) at North Dakota on Oct. 28. Wenzel's 3.72 digs per set average stood ninth-best in the league and led all Summit first-years.

"Karli is a very dynamic defensive specialist," Staupe stated. "She has an amazing ability to track down and cover balls to keep plays alive for her hitters. Our entire group of defensive specialists rallied around her and respected her as she earned the libero spot. She shined in that role, and continued to help make others around her better. Karli's contributions to the team go far beyond her stats that put her in the top-three in the conference. We are excited to see her continue to develop and contribute to our program."

Bringing power on the hitting end, Wulf became a reliable option at outside hitter in her first Leatherneck season. Her best month happened in October when she notched double-digit kills in five of a seven-match stretch, including a career-best 21 versus Omaha (Oct. 21). The young Leatherneck also assisted on 16 blocks throughout the season and finished fourth on the team with 162 total kills. Wulf's 2.57 kills per set were the highest mark of any league first-year player.

"As a freshman, Brittany continued to develop throughout the year and earned significant playing time. She made a huge impact on our offensive with her power, terminating ability, and determination. She also showcased and continually developed her volleyball IQ, as she scored in a variety of ways while teams adjusted to her power. We are eager to see what the future holds for Brittany and her teammates."

Western completed its season this past Saturday (Nov. 20), defeating St. Thomas in a 3-1 'Senior Day' victory inside Western Hall.
 

2021 Summit League Individual Awards
 

Player of the Year

Sadie Limback, Omaha

Defensive Player of the Year

Maddie Renn, Kansas City

Setter of the Year

Sami Clarkson, Omaha

Freshman of the Year

Hailey Green, Denver

Coach of the Year

Matt Buttermore, Omaha
 

2021 All-Summit League Volleyball Team
 

First Team

Sadie Limback, Omaha

Maddie Renn, Kansas City

Sami Clarkson, Omaha

Melanie Brecka, Kansas City

Elizabeth Juhnke, South Dakota

Crystal Burk, South Dakota State

Madison Harms, South Dakota

Tina Boe, Denver

Sakira LaCour, Oral Roberts

Lydia Bartalo, Denver

De'Janae Arnold, Kansas City

Alli Schomers, Kansas City

Honorable Mention

Madison Jurgens, South Dakota

Marriah Buss, Omaha

Jaiden Centeno, Omaha

Ali Hinze, North Dakota State

McKenna Ruch, Omaha

Sami Slaughter, South Dakota

Freshmen Team

Hailey Green, Denver

Trinity Freeman, Oral Roberts

Shayla McCormick, Omaha

Lauren Galvin, St. Thomas

Ella Thompson, South Dakota State

Karli Wenzel, Western Illinois

Brittany Wulf, Western Illinois