Schmidt and Blohm Secure Summit League Weekly Honors
St. Thomas and NDSU players dominate nonconference play with record-setting stats.
Key points
- Anya Schmidt recorded 43 kills and 4.30 kills per set, setting a single-match record against Western Michigan.
- Arianna Blohm posted a career-high eight blocks against Seattle and averaged 1.30 blocks per set over the weekend.
- Both players received their Summit League Peak Performer awards for their outstanding nonconference performances.
The polished hardwood of the gymnasium floor still holds the heat of recent rallies. In Sioux Falls, the dust settles on a weekend defined by two distinct forces: the raw power of a sophomore outside hitter and the immovable wall of a senior middle blocker. Anya Schmidt and Arianna Blohm stand at the apex of the league’s recognition, having carved their names into the record books during the final stretch of nonconference play.
League officials announced Tuesday that these two athletes have claimed the Summit League Volleyball Peak Performers of the Week. It is a dual coronation that highlights the depth of talent in the conference, with Schmidt earning her first career offensive honor and Blohm securing her second defensive accolade. Their performances were not just good; they were transformative moments in their respective seasons.
Schmidt Breaks Single-Match Records
Anya Schmidt, a sophomore from Rogers, Minnesota, unleashed a barrage of attacks that left opponents scrambling. She tallied 43 kills across two matches, averaging 4.30 kills per set. The highlight arrived against Western Michigan, where she shattered the St. Thomas single-match record for kills and points. In that grueling five-set battle, she registered 25 kills and 29 points, a display of endurance and precision that set the tone for the weekend.
Her momentum carried into the following match against Marquette. There, Schmidt added 18 kills and 10 digs in another five-set contest. This performance marked her third double-double of the season, cementing her status as a primary threat for the Tommies. The offensive peak performer award recognizes this consistent, high-volume output that shifted the dynamics of the court.
Blohm Dominates Defensive Metrics
On the other side of the net, Arianna Blohm stood as an immovable barrier. The North Dakota State senior, hailing from Spring Valley, Minnesota, posted 13 blocks during a three-game stretch. Her average of 1.30 blocks per set reflected a presence that stifled opposing attackers. Against Montana, she combined defensive solidity with offensive fire, recording two blocks, seven digs, and 12 kills while hitting an efficient .524.
Blohm’s weekend concluded with a career-high performance against Seattle. In that five-set victory, she amassed eight blocks, a personal best that underscored her growing impact. Earlier, she had contributed three blocks and eight kills against Gonzaga. These numbers illustrate a player who is not just blocking shots, but controlling the tempo and space of the game.
League Recognizes Weekly Excellence
The Summit League’s weekly accolades serve as a benchmark for performance consistency. Schmidt and Blohm join a list of recent honorees that includes Sylvie Zgonc from South Dakota State and Ella Rogers from South Dakota. The nominations also featured players from North Dakota, Omaha, Oral Roberts, and South Dakota State, indicating a tightly contested conference landscape.
