University of Minnesota Athletics
Dixon and Wittman Named Preaseason All-Big Ten
8/17/2011 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Aug. 17, 2011
Voted on by the Big Ten coaches, the Big Ten Conference has announced the Big Ten Preseason poll as well as the Preseason All-Big Ten Volleyball Team. Minnesota was picked to finish fifth overall. Penn State nabbed the top spot, while Illinois and Nebraska tied for No. 2 and Purdue in fourth. Michigan State rounded out the top six.
The Golden Gophers landed two on the Preseason All-Big Ten Team. After stellar freshmen seasons, Tori Dixon and Ashley Wittman were both selected to the group of 17. As rookies last season the duo were both named to the All-Freshman Team. Dixon received Big Ten honorable mention honors after playing in 125 of 129 sets. She averaged 2.44 kills per game and a total of 305. Wittman was the only freshman in the nation to average over 3.00 kps and 3.00 digs per set. She played in all 129 sets, one of only two Gopher members to do so last year.
The Golden Gophers begin their season on Aug. 26-27 in State College, Pa., when they compete against Southern California and Oregon at the AVCA Showcase. Minnesota's annual media day is set for 1:30 p.m. tomorrow at the Sports Pavilion. Interim head coach Laura Bush and selected players will hold a press conference in the media room.
