LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Mar. 11, 2009) -- Bellarmine University senior forward Taylor Kopple (Louisville, Ky./Sacred Heart Academy) was named to the 2009 Daktronics Midwest Region First Team. As a first team selection, Kopple will be on the Daktronics All-America national ballot as well.

Kopple put together an outstanding season for the Knights, averaging 17.1 points and 7.8 rebounds per game. The Sacred Heart product finished the year ranked fifth in the GLVC in scoring and fourth in rebounding while leading the Knights to a 16-12 overall record.

Hillsdale College's Katie Cezat was named the Midwest Region Player of the Year. Joining Cezat and Kopple on the first team, which is selected by regional sports information directors, are Jessica Keller (Quincy), Jessie Slack (Northern Kentucky), and Katie Wysocky (Michigan Tech University).

DAKTRONICS MIDWEST REGION FIRST TEAM
Player, School, Pos., YR, HT, PPG, RPG, Hometown
Katie Cezat, Hillsdale, F, SR, 6-0, 29.1, 16.8, Plymouth, MI
Jessica Keller, Quincy, G, SR, 5-9, 20.0, 6.7, Belle, MO
Jessie Slack, Northern Kentucky, G, SR, 5-10, 17.4, 5.2, Mt. Perry, OH
Katie Wysocky, Michigan Tech, F, JR, 6-0, 14.7, 10.0, Whitefish Bay, WI
Taylor Kopple, Bellarmine, F, SR, 5-11, 17.1, 7.8, Louisville, KY

DAKTRONICS MIDWEST REGION SECOND TEAM
Jaclyn Armstrong, Lake Superior State, C, SR, 6-0, 17.7, 5.7, Haslett, MI
Jenny Turpel, Lewis, G/F, SO, 5-10, 18.5, 6.9, Johnsburg. IL
Amanda Gibson, UW-Parkside, G, JR, 5-8, 16.3, 2.6, Boulder Junction, WI
Sarah Stream, Michigan Tech, G, JR, 5-7, 10.3, 2.8, Ishpeming, MI
Samantha Meissel, Indianapolis, F, SO, 6-2, 18.5, 4.5, Terre Haute, IN