University of Minnesota Athletics
Gophers in the Polls: November 30
11/30/2016 12:00:00 AM | Athletics
One Gopher team is back atop the rankings as fall sports postseason play continues. Below is a summary of each ranked Minnesota team, and tickets for all upcoming home events are available by visiting mygophersports.com.
Volleyball - #1
Last Week: The Gophers ascended to the top spot in the rankings after five set wins at home over then No. 1 Nebraska and No. 3 Wisconsin. Senior outside hitter Sarah Wilhite was named the AVCA National Player of the Week and Big Ten Player of the Week after racking up 42 kills this week.
This Week: Minnesota earned the No. 2 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament, and opens the NCAA Tournament this weekend when it hosts North Dakota, Southern California and Hawaii in the First and Second Round at the Sports Pavilion.
Women's Hockey - #2
Last Week: The Gophers swept in-state rival Bemidji State on Saturday and Sunday at Ridder Arena, by scores of 4-0 and 4-1.
This Week: Minnesota faces off against top-ranked Wisconsin on the road this weekend. The Border Battle series is set for 3:30 p.m. CT Saturday, Dec. 3 and 2 p.m. CT Sunday, Dec. 4 at LaBahn Arena in Madison, Wis.
Men's Gymnastics - #4
Preseason: The Gophers were selected fourth in the College Gymnastics Association (CGA) preseason poll. It's the highest preseason ranking in head coach Mike Burns' tenure, now spanning 13 seasons.
Coming Up: Minnesota welcomes the public to the program's annual Maroon vs. Gold intrasquad meet on Dec. 14 at the Sports Pavilion. The meet will begin at 4 p.m.
Wrestling - #10
Last Week: Narrow defeats to higher-ranked opponents marked much of the Gophers' 34-3 loss to No. 1 Oklahoma State on Sunday afternoon in a dual where five of the first seven matches were decided by two points or fewer. Brett Pfarr was selected the Big Ten Wrestler of the Week after his 7-2 victory over the Cowboys' Preston Weigel, ranked sixth in the country.
Coming Up: The Gophers return to action this Friday and Saturday at the Cliff Keen Invitational in Las Vegas, where Pfarr finished as the runner-up last season.
Men's Hockey - #11
Last Week: The Gophers split their road trip to Boston this past week, falling at Northeastern, 6-4, before a 4-2 victory in Chestnut Hill over Boston College. The latter marked the 700th career victory for head coach Don Lucia, along with a three-point game for senior Vinni Lettieri, who was named the Big Ten's Second Star of the Week.
Coming Up: Minnesota, the three-time defending Big Ten champions, kicks off the conference schedule next weekend with a two-game series against Ohio State at Mariucci Arena. Puck drop is set for 8:00 p.m. on Friday and 7:00 p.m. Saturday.
Women's Swimming & Diving - #21
Last Week: The Gophers were idle.
Coming Up: The Gophers have a busy weekend ahead, as they will split their time between hosting the Jean K. Freeman Invitational, and heading to Atlanta, Georgia, for the AT&T Winter Nationals.
Men's Swimming & Diving - #23
Last Week: The Gophers were idle.
Coming Up: The Gophers have a busy weekend ahead, as they will split their time between hosting the Jean K. Freeman Invitational, and heading to Atlanta, Georgia, for the AT&T Winter Nationals.
Also Receiving Votes: The Gopher men's basketball team received a vote in the Associated Press poll.
Players Mentioned
