University of Minnesota Athletics
Wittman and Dixon Earn Weekly Laurels
11/25/2013 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Nov. 25, 2013
Ashley Wittman and Tori Dixon have been honored by the Big Ten Conference after stellar performances last weekend against ranked Michigan and Michigan State. Wittman was named the Big Ten Player of the Week, while Dixon was honored as the league's Defensive Player of the Week. The two accolades mark the second for Wittman this season and the fifth for Dixon. Overall, Minnesota has amassed nine weekly honors this year.
Wittman led the Gophers offensively and defensively this past weekend. Against the Wolverines, Wittman recorded a double-double when she had 15 kills and 10 digs. On Saturday, she followed with an 18-kill performance and provided 19 digs. On the weekend, Wittman hit .386 to average 4.71 kills per set. Her 29 digs were also a team-best as she averaged 4.14 per set. She ranked second in the Big Ten this past weekend in kills, seventh in hitting percentage, fourth in points (5.07 per set) and sixth in digs. She now has 14 double-doubles this season
Dixon provided an outstanding weekend on her own. On Friday against the Wolverines, Dixon hit .556, had 15 kills and added six blocks. On Saturday against the Spartans, she added another seven blocks and eight kills. Her 13 blocks this past weekend led the Big Ten. As a middle hitter, Dixon hit .360 on the weekend, averaged 1.9 blocks per set and 3.29 kills per set. On the season, Dixon has hit over .500 12 times this year.
Minnesota closes out the regular season this week. On Wednesday, the Gophers host No. 15 Wisconsin at 7 p.m. in the Sports Pavilion. The match is the regular season home finale. It also marks senior night for Dixon and Wittman as well as Alexandra Palmer.
On Saturday, the Gophers travel to No. 20 Illinois. Match time against the Illini is set for 7 p.m. CT as the two teams close out the Big Ten regular season.
Gopher Weekly Recognition
Sept. 2 Player of the Week: Tori Dixon
Sept. 9 Defensive Player of the Week: Tori Dixon
Sept. 23 Defensive Player of the Week: Tori Dixon
Sept. 30 Defensive Player of the Week: Ashley Wittman
Oct. 14 Defensive Player of the Week: Tori Dixon
Oct. 21 Freshman of the Week: Hannah Tapp
Oct. 28 Player of the Week: Ashley Wittman
Nov. 25 Player of the Week: Ashley Wittman
Nov. 25 Defensive Player of the Week: Tori Dixon
