Kuhrt Selected for U.S. Collegiate National Team

AMES, Iowa – Iowa State rising redshirt junior outside hitter Morgan Kuhrt has been selected for the U.S. Collegiate National Team that will tour China in June, USA Volleyball announced Wednesday.

Kuhrt and her 11 teammates, who consist of other college volleyball players from across the country, were selected through the U.S. Women's National Team Open Tryouts held Feb. 20-22 at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo.

The CNT-China will gather on June 13 for training in the United States before departing for Shanghai, China on June 16. The team is expected to play three matches in Changxing City from June 17-21 against the Chinese Women's Junior National Team and a professional club team as opponents. The CNT-China squad will fly to Beijing to train and compete June 21-26 against the Chinese Women's U-23 National Team and a professional club team.

Kurht served in a variety of roles for Iowa State last season. Kuhrt start off the season as a reserve, contributing when someone was struggling or injured, but slowly found her way into more playing time. When Iowa State transitioned to its 6-2 system for the last month of the 2014 season, Kuhrt became ISU's go-to attacker. The Waverly, Iowa native averaged 3.19 kills per set, 2.53 digs per set and 0.59 blocks per set in the nine matches ISU ran the system.

For the year, Kuhrt recorded 206 kills at 2.48 kills per set, 136 digs at 1.64 digs per set, 27 total blocks and 11 service aces.

The CNT-China roster is one of three programs within USA Volleyball's High Performance U.S. Collegiate National Team program. USA Volleyball announced the 12-player roster for the World University Games earlier this week. An additional 36 players, which will be announced next week, will train and compete in conjunction with the 2015 USA Volleyball Girls' Junior National Championships in June at New Orleans.

The CNT-China squad will be led by Arizona State head coach Jason Watson, with the assistance of UMBC assistant Katelyn Panzau and Wingate University assistant coach Abbi Hayes.

Kuhrt and the Iowa State volleyball team begin the 2015 spring season Tuesday at Iowa. The Cyclones and Hawkeyes will meet in Carver-Hawkeye Arena at 6:30 p.m.