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Kruggel joins 1000-kill club, earns A.I.I. Female Athlete of the Week
October 24, 2011
MADISON, S.D. - Senior Stephanie Kruggel continues her stellar career at Dakota State University as she recorded her 1000th career kill in a 3-1 win over Oklahoma Wesleyan on Oct. 22. As a result, the Association of Independent Institutions (A.I.I.) has selected Kruggel as Female Athlete of the Week, announced Monday morning.
Kruggel, a 5-foot-8 right side hitter from Winthrop, Minn., recorded four double-doubles on the week in leading the Trojans to a 3-1 record with home victories over Dakota Wesleyan, Oklahoma Wesleyan and Mayville State. Dakota State's lone loss come in a five-set match against Midland. 
The Trojans concluded their home schedule with a 9-2 record and had won seven of the last eight matches to improve at least a match over .500 for the first time since 2005 (DSU finished 16-14 that year).
Kruggel recorded 89 kills (4.9 kills per set) and 76 digs (4.2 digs per set) on the week, along with eight blocks, six service aces and four assists.
The picture on the right was the moment as Kruggel recorded her 1000th career kill milestone in the fourth set versus Oklahoma Wesleyan. She continues to display impressive numbers during her four-year career at DSU as she currently records 1029 kills, 900 set assists, 120 service aces, 1212 digs and 235 blocks.
According to the DakStats-NAIA statistical website as of Monday morning, Kruggel ranks 10th in the nation in total kills with 420. She is 36th in the nation in kills per set (3.7).
Stephanie is the daughter of Gary and Lori Kruggel. She is majoring in Elementary Education at Dakota State University.
Dakota State plays in the University of Sioux Falls Halloween Tournament this weekend. The two-day event will take place at Stewart Center and Sioux Falls Christian High School. The Trojans play the host-team University of Sioux Falls on Friday at 3 p.m. (Stewart Center) and Lindenwood (Mo.) at 6 p.m. (Sioux Falls Christian High School). On Saturday, Dakota State plays Minot State at 10 a.m. and Grand View (Iowa) at 12 p.m. (both matches will be at Sioux Falls Christian High School).
Nick Huntimer, Dakota State University Sports Information Director
