Sioux Center, Iowa — Karly Gustafson (Junior; Ethan, South Dakota) and Ashtyn Veerbeek (Junior; Sioux Center, Iowa) each earned honors at the recently completed NAIA National Championship for their play in the six games the Defenders played. Both players were named to the All-Tournament Team and Gustafson was awarded the Hustle Award for the event.
Gustafson averaged 15.8 points per game for the Defenders and took in 10.2 rebounds while making 56 percent of her field goal attempts. Gustafson also had 10 assists and 10 steals.
Veerbeek averaged 16.2 points per game with 11.3 rebounds while handing out 3.3 assists and blocking 2.3 shots per game as the Defenders finished as the tournament runner-up. Veerbeek also converted 45 percent of her field goals and recorded four steals.
The Defenders finished their season with a program best 29-9 record.
