DENVER — The postseason accolades continue to stack up for No. 9 MSU Denver volleyball. On Wednesday afternoon, both the D2CCA and AVCA released their South Central All-Region teams — and the Roadrunners were once again prominently featured.
The AVCA named freshman setter/right-side Karyna Werley the South Central Region Freshman of the Year, making her MSU Denver's first AVCA region Freshman of the Year since Kelsey Ellis in 2007. Werley was also named to the AVCA All-Region First Team, joining teammates Annika Helf and Alyssa Boyte to give MSU Denver three first-team selections — one of the strongest regional showings in program history.
Werley's honor comes on the heels of her RMAC Freshman of the Year recognition, highlighting her versatility and impact on one of the nation's top offenses. She enters the NCAA Tournament with 529 assists, a .348 hitting percentage, and one of the most complete statistical profiles of any freshman in the region.
The AVCA announcement arrived shortly after the D2CCA released its South Central All-Region teams, where Alyssa Boyte was named the D2CCA South Central Region Middle Blocker/Hitter of the Year and joined Annika Helf on the First Team. MSU Denver was the only program in the region with multiple first-team honorees.
Boyte's D2CCA award adds to a remarkable year that already includes:
- RMAC Defensive Player of the Year
- RMAC Tournament MVP
- RMAC First Team All-Academic
- RMAC Academic Player of the Year
- AVCA and D2CCA First Team All-Region
Her dominance has defined MSU Denver's defense:
- RMAC-leading 106 blocks and 1.14 blocks per set (36th nationally)
- .340 hitting percentage, seventh in the RMAC
- Key role in holding opponents to the fewest assists, kills, and aces in the conference
Senior outside hitter Annika Helf continues to cement her legacy as one of MSU Denver's most reliable scorers. A two-time First Team All-RMAC selection, she adds both AVCA and D2CCA First Team All-Region honors this season.
Her offensive consistency has been crucial all year:
- 305 kills — fifth in the RMAC
- All-Tournament Team selection during MSU Denver's RMAC Championship run
- Leads the Roadrunners in kills during their current 17-match winning streak
With a 26–3 record, a second straight RMAC Tournament title, and the No. 1 seed in the South Central Region, MSU Denver now turns its focus toward the NCAA postseason. The Roadrunners will host the NCAA South Central Regional Tournament from Thursday through Saturday at the Auraria Event Center — their third time hosting since 2021.
The Roadrunners enter the national tournament riding a 17-match winning streak, armed with momentum, depth, and some of the top award-winners in the country.
