SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - Augustana's Aleksandra Kistanova repeated as the NSIC Elite 18 Award winner for women's tennis as she was recognized prior to the Vikings quarterfinal match at the NSIC Tennis Tournament, being held at Huether Family Match Pointe in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. 

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.

Kistanova, a native of Seversk, Russia and a graduate of Severskaya Gymnazia is a graduate student and holds a 4.00 grade point average while majoring in economics; and business administration. She holds a 13-2 overall and 6-0 NSIC singles record at No. 3 and No. 4 and a 13-4 overall and 7-2 NSIC record at No. 1 doubles.  She has also been a multiple time member of the ITA Scholar-Athlete and NSIC All-Academic teams.