Mussman Tabbed Defender of the Year; Six Mustangs Earn All-Conference

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Rylie Mussman earned the Heart of America Defender of the Year in women's volleyball as six Mustang volleyball players earned All-Conference honors, announced by the conference office.

The First Team was headlined by the senior duo of Rylie Mussman and Hailey Hested. Mussman earned the Defender of the Year after recording 782 digs, which is good for 6.11 digs per set. Hested ended her illustrious career with a first team honor after breaking several Mount Mercy records in the 2024 campaign, including assists in a three-set, four-set, and five-set match, as well as assists in a season and assists in a career.

Freshman outside hitter Mary Kate Bendlage earned All-Conference Second Team honors after recording nearly 450 kills during her first season on nearly 1500 attack attempts. Bendlage would also record 29 service aces. Headlining the Third Team was Jenna Brown and Ellie Gerdes. Brown played in all 33 matches, recording 406 kills on nearly 1000 attempts to go along with 16 service aces. Gerdes recorded 216 kills on 611 attack attempts. On the honorable mention list was Sam Schrage. Schrage appeared in all 33 matches while recording 219 kills on 739 attack attempts.