Cassie Busse, a senior opposite hitter on Minnesota’s volleyball team, was named the American Volleyball Coaches Association national player of the week Monday. It marks the first time in Busse’s career that she has received national player of the week honors.

It is only the fourth time in the history of the program that a Minnesota player has been named AVCA national player of the week. Stephanie Hagen was the last player to receive the honors, Oct. 2, 2000.

Busse was named Big Ten player of the week for the second time this season, and the fourth time in her career. Only Nicole Branagh (5) and Andrea Gonzalez (4) have received it as many times in their playing careers at Minnesota.

In Saturday’s game against Michigan State, Busse became only the seventh player Minnesota history to record 30 kills in a match. It was the first time since Branagh had 31 kills Dec. 2, 2000, against Arizona State that a Minnesota player had a 30-kill match.

In addition to Busse’s honor, the Gophers jumped two spots to No. 23 in this week’s AVCA poll.