BURNSVILLE, Minn. – Minnesota State senior libero Ellie Kline has been recognized for her outstanding defensive play, earning her first career NSIC Defensive Player of the Week honor.

A native of Holmen, Wis., Kline has been a driving force behind the Mavericks' defensive success this season. She is averaging 5.04 digs per set, which ranks third in the NSIC, and has helped Minnesota State climb to second in the conference with 16.92 digs per set as a team.

Kline delivered a remarkable performance over the weekend, tallying a season-high 30 digs and five service aces against No. 12 Southwest Minnesota State. Across both matches, she totaled 43 digs without a single receiving error, continuing her streak of consistent and reliable defense.

Currently fifth all-time in Maverick volleyball history with 1,268 career digs, Kline continues to strengthen her legacy as one of the program's top defenders.

Minnesota State will look to keep its momentum going when it faces No. 9 Wayne State (13-3, 6-1 NSIC) on Friday, Oct. 10 at 6 p.m. in Wayne, Nebraska, as the Mavericks aim for their first victory over the Wildcats since 2018.