Kirchner led UW-Platteville to a 4-1 record, including a second-place finish in the National Invitational Tournament at Washington University (Mo.). The freshman had double figure kills in her first three matches, including 13 in a season-opening sweep at Ashford University (Iowa). She had 11 against Simpson College (Iowa) and 10 more against top-ranked Washington University. Kirchner earned a berth on the all-tournament team at the National Invitational Tournament. For the week, she averaged 3.15 kills per set.
Also nominated:
UW-Eau Claire, Blair Murphy, Senior, Libero, Hermantown, Minn.
UW-La Crosse, Liz Schlobohm, Junior, Setter, Fairbault, Minn. (Bethlehem Academy)
UW-Oshkosh, Aleisha Bagin, Sophomore, Leftside Hitter, West Bend, Wis. (West)
UW-River Falls, Courtney Preiner, Sophomore, Libero, Oakdale, Minn. (Hill-Murray)
UW-Stevens Point, Molly Elderbrook, Junior, Defensive Specialist, Burlington, Wis.
UW-Stout, Steph Nichols, Senior, Outside Hitter, Greendale, Wis.
UW-Superior, Nikki Gosson, Sophomore, Middle Hitter, Mankato, Minn.
UW-Whitewater, Caitlin Hogan, Senior, Outside Hitter, New London, Wis.