Minnesota’s Nicole Branagh made it a hat trick on Monday when she won her third Big Ten player of the week award this season.
She is the first Gophers volleyball player to win the award three times in a season.
Branagh led Minnesota this past weekend with 60 kills in a two-match split on the road. She has also been instrumental in helping the Gophers attain a top-20 ranking, and aspirations of the NCAA tournament loom on the horizon.
For the third straight time, Branagh had little to say about the honor, but appreciated being recognized throughout the Big Ten.
“It’s exciting and I am honored,” she said. “I’m glad other coaches have recognized the way I help the team.”
The award was also Branagh’s fourth in her career, tying her with Andrea Gonzalez with the most in Minnesota history.
— Compiled by John R. Carter