Full NSIC Release
AVCA Division II Coaches Poll

Junior libero Julie Rainey was named the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference's Defensive Player of the Week on Monday as the No. 2 University of Minnesota Duluth stayed put in this week's American Volleyball Coaches Association poll.

"Julie's defense helped carry the team when our offense was not at its best," head coach Jim Boos said after a pair of three-set sweeps for UMD this weekend. The honor marked the second time this season that Rainey was named NSIC's top libero, picking up the nod in the first week of the season on Sept. 9 as well. Rainey had 42 defensive digs on the weekend, including 26 in Saturday's match against Winona State, and her 7.00 digs per game led the NSIC over the weekend.

The Bulldogs were not the only NSIC team to remain in place as No. 1 Concordia-St. Paul held the top spot for a second week, receiving 45 of 48 first-place votes. Among other NSIC teams, Southwest Minnesota State remained in the top ten at six, while No. 15 Wayne State (Neb.) College dropped after a loss last week. Augustana (S.D.) also received votes in the poll.

UMD hits the floor at Romano Gymnasium to close out its three-match homestand on Tuesday evening. The Bulldogs take on Northern Michigan in non-conference action with a scheduled 7:00 p.m. opening serve.