University of Minnesota Athletics
Granquist Named Defensive Player of the Week
11/15/2010 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Junior libero Jessica Granquist was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week according to an announcement by the conference office on Monday, Nov. 15.
It marked the third time that Granquist has claimed the honors this year, which is the highest of any player in the Big Ten. Granquist also received Big Ten Player of the Week honors on Sept. 6 and Oct. 4. She joins six other players who have won the away three or more times in a season since the award's inception in 2005. That list includes Northwestern's Christie Gardner (3 in 2005), Purdue's Stephanie Lynch (3 in 2008), Northwestern's Kate Nobilio (3 in 2009), Minnesota's Malama Peniata (3 in 2006), Minnesota's Christine Tan (5 in 2008 & 3 in 2009) and Penn State's Kaleena Walters (4 in 2005).
For the week, Granquist averaged 5.50 dps, 0.38 aps and received 42 of 43 serves successfully in two victories against No. 16 Michigan (3-0) and Michigan State (3-2). Against the Wolverines, Granquist had 22 digs in three sets. The next night she was injured early in the first set against the Spartans. Granquist returned and played a major role in the Gophers' five-set victory as she contributed 22 digs, two assists and received 34 of 35 serves successfully.
Granquist currently leads the Big Ten in digs per set in matches (5.23 dps) and in Big Ten play (5.52). She has collected 30 digs or more in five matches, 20 digs or more in 13 matches and has claimed a match-high in digs in 14 of the 16 Big Ten matches she has played this year.
