BURNSVILLE, Minn. -- Augustana volleyball libero Erika Bute has been named the NSIC Defensive Player of the Week the league office announced Monday. The Alden, Minnesota, native helped the Vikings go 2-1 over the week including a weekend sweep over UMary and Minot State. 

The freshman averaged 6.8 digs per set (75 total) against then No. 17 Wayne State, UMary and Minot State. She tallied 28 digs in a nonconference match versus Wayne State and against Minot State. Bute averaged seven digs per set versus then Wayne State and Minot State. 

During the season, she ranks first in NSIC with 6.26 digs per set and ranks seventh in the nation.

"Erika is a leader on our defensive side and a great teammate too," head coach Jennifer Jacobs said. "I am proud of her accomplishments so far and the future is bright for her and our team."

The Vikings host No. 7 Concordia - St. Paul on Friday at 6 p.m. and Minnesota State at 2 p.m.