University of Minnesota Athletics
Three Gophers Named Preseason All-B1G
8/15/2017 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
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Alexis Hart, Molly Lohman and Samantha Seliger-Swenson have all been named Preseason All-Big Ten, announced today by the conference office. It's the second-straight honor for Seliger-Swenson, named just one of two unanimous decisions this year. It marks the first honor for both Hart and Lohman. Minnesota was also tabbed to finish third in the Big Ten preseason coaches' poll.
Hart, an outside hitter from Independence, Mo., returns for her second season after receiving Big Ten All-Freshman honors. She played in all 126 sets and ranked second on the team in kills (359) and kills per set (2.85). Named the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) North Region Freshman of the Year, Hart was also an AVCA All-America honorable mention.
Lohman, a middle blocker out of Mankato, Minn., led the team with 1.40 blocks per set and .370 hitting clip, while she also contributed 1.79 kills per set. She was also named an AVCA All-America honorable. Her blocks per set and attack percentage ranked in the top three among Big Ten players.
Seliger-Swenson, a setter from Minnetonka, Minn., was named the 2016 Big Ten Setter of the Year and a First Team All-American. As a sophomore, Seliger-Swenson helped Minnesota to a .288 hitting efficiency and 1,465 assists. She also added 301 digs and a team-high 31 aces.
Minnesota opens the season Aug. 25-26 in Madison, Wis., as the Gophers take on North Carolina and Louisville in conjunction with the Big Ten/ACC Challenge. Minnesota plays the Tar Heels on Aug. 25 at 4:30 p.m., followed by a 4 p.m. match, Aug. 26 against the Cardinals.
Preseason All-B1G
Ali Bastianelli, Illinois, Jr., Middle Blocker, Marysville, Mich.
Jordyn Poulter, Illinois, Jr., Setter, Aurora, Colo.
Claire Kieffer-Wright, Michigan, Sr., Middle Blocker, South Pasadena, Calif.
Alyssa Garvelink, Michigan State, Sr., Middle Blocker, Holland, Mich.
Alexis Hart, Minnesota, So., Outside Hitter, Independence, Mo.
Molly Lohman, Minnesota, Sr., Middle Blocker, Mankato, Minn.
SAM SELIGER-SWENSON, Minnesota, Jr., Setter, Minnetonka, Minn.
MIKAELA FOECKE, Nebraska, Jr., Outside Hitter, West Point, Iowa
Kelly Hunter, Nebraska, Sr., Setter, Papillion, Neb.
Ali Frantti, Penn State, Sr., Outside Hitter, Spring Grove, Ill.
Simone Lee, Penn State, Sr., Outside Hitter, Menomonee Falls, Wis.
Haleigh Washington, Penn State, Sr., Middle Blocker, Colorado Springs, Colo.
Danielle Cuttino, Purdue, Sr., Outside Hitter, Indianapolis, Ind.
Molly Haggerty, Wisconsin, So., Outside Hitter, Glen Ellyn, Ill.
Tionna Williams, Wisconsin, Jr., Middle Blocker, Fort Wayne, Ind.
UNANIMOUS SELECTIONS IN CAPS
2017 Big Ten Preseason Poll
1. Penn State
2. Nebraska
3. Minnesota
4. Michigan State
5. Wisconsin
6. Purdue
7. Michigan
8. Ohio State
9. Illinois
10. Iowa
11. Maryland
12. Northwestern
13. Indiana
14. Rutgers
