MINNEAPOLIS -- Augustana volleyball libero Erika Bute has been named a finalist for the 2019 Minnesota Sports Awards Girls High School Athlete of the Year. Bute, a freshman, competed in volleyball, basketball and softball at Alden-Conger High School. 

After a stellar volleyball career in high school, Bute committed to Augustana to play volleyball. While at Alden-Conger, Bute tallied over 2,000 assists and over 1,000 digs. She was a four-year letter winner and a two-year captain. Bute was also named to an all-area team three times. 

In her freshman season at Augustana, Bute has played in all 22 matches and every set. The freshman has been ranked as high as fifth in the nation in digs per set and currently ranks second in the NSIC with 5.54 digs per set. Earlier this season Bute was named NSIC Defensive Player of the Week. She has tallied 18 aces and 65 assists on the season. 

The next time to see Bute and the rest of the Viking volleyball team will be on Thursday against No. 12 Wayne State at 6 p.m. inside the Elmen Center. 

ABOUT SPORTS MINNEAPOLIS
Sports Minneapolis leads the region in bidding, winning and executing major professional and amateur sporting events that impact the city of Minneapolis and beyond. Sports Minneapolis, a division within Meet Minneapolis, has played a major role in securing events such as the Super Bowl, NCAA Men's Final Four, Major League Baseball All-Star Game, USA Girls' Jr. Volleyball, CONCACAF Gold Cup soccer, X Games and more. Amateur and professional sports events increase visitor spending and tax revenue that benefits the local community.