Freshman Ashley Wittman was recognized by the Big Ten for her performance in the Gophers’ conference opener against Michigan State and No. 22 Michigan last weekend.

            Wittman was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week for the third time this season–she was also awarded the Big Ten Player of the Week on Sept. 13. 

            She had 10 kills, five digs, and three blocks for the Gophers in their 3-0 sweep of Michigan State on Friday, while tallying 16 kills during Minnesota’s 2-3 loss to No. 22 Michigan.

            The Gophers—who went 1-1 last weekend—dropped to No. 17 in this week’s AVCA Top 25.  They started the season at No. 8.

            They are joined by four other Big Ten teams—Penn State (4), Illinois (7), Michigan (19), and Northwestern (25).  Ohio State and Purdue also received votes.