University of Minnesota Athletics
VB: Minnesota Announces Postseason Team Awards
2/12/2005 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Lindsey Taatjes (Prinsburg, Minn.) was named Minnesota's 2004 Most Valuable Player. Taatjes, who was the NCAA Tournament Minneapolis Regional Most Outstanding Player, led the team in assists (1,169), was second in digs (495), third in blocks (97) and second in service aces. Taatjes finished her career fourth on the all-time digs list with 1,284 and fifth on the all-time digs list at 4,719. She was one of just three players in school history to record 4,000 career assists and 1,000 career digs. This past year Taatjes tied for the fourth-highest dig total in school history at 495. She also broke the single-season school record for assists in her sophomore season (2002) with 1,734.
Senior setter Jen Bowman (Maple Grove, Minn.) received the Maurice Batie Award for most inspirational player on the team. Bowman was third on the team in assists per game and was substituted throughout the season in the backrow during crucial points of the match. Bowman was one of Minnesota's leaders on and off the court, in her two years with the program.
Taatjes also received the Golddigger Award for the Minnesota Volleyball Booster Club. The award is given to the player who demonstrates a positive attitude during competition on and off the court and also helps promote a positive image for the University of Minnesota.
Minnesota advanced to the national championship for the first time in school history in 2004. It marked the second straight season the Golden Gophers had advanced to the Final Four. Minnesota also broke the school record for wins in a season (during the NCAA ERA) with 33.
