BURNSVILLE, Minn. --- Minnesota State senior McKenna DeMarce has earned the NSIC Elite 18 Award for the second consecutive season for her efforts on the court and in the classroom.

As part of the NSIC 25th Anniversary celebration during the 2016-17 academic year, the NSIC Elite 18 Award was instituted to recognize the true essence of the student-athlete by honoring the individual who has reached the pinnacle of competition at the NSIC championship level in his or her sport while also achieving the highest academic standard among his or her peers. The NSIC Elite 18 Award is presented to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade-point average participating at the finals site for each of the NSIC's 18 championships.

A native of Las Vegas, Nevada, DeMarce owns a 4.0 GPA and is double majoring in communication sciences and disorders and American Sign Language. She owns an 8-5 singles record on the season, including an 8-4 record in No. 2 singles action. DeMarce also owns a 7-5 record in No. 1 doubles matches with her teammate Julia Gurholt.

Minnesota State continues its season today in the semifinals of the NSIC Tournament as it takes on Sioux Falls at 4:30 p.m.