Oct. 27, 2008
BIG TEN VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
OFFENSE
Ashley Benson, Indiana
So., MB, Bloomington, Ind., Bloomington North
Benson led the Hoosiers to a road sweep over the weekend, hitting .412 with 4.1 kills per set as Indiana downed Northwestern and No. 21 Wisconsin. The sophomore also contributed on defense, adding 1.9 blocks and 1.1 digs per frame. Against the Wildcats on Friday, Benson put down 23 kills in the five-set match, hitting at a .455 clip. She also tacked on nine total blocks and eight digs in the victory. At Wisconsin on Sunday, the Bloomington, Ind., native tallied 14 kills at a .333 average with a pair of digs and eight blocks as Indiana beat the Badgers in Madison for the first time since 1995. The award is the first of Benson's career and the second for the Hoosiers this season.
Last IND POW: Erica Short (offense), Sept. 8, 2008
DEFENSE
Ashley Edinger, Illinois
Jr., LIB, Michigan City, Ind., Michigan City
Edinger helped the Illini to a pair of sweeps last week with wins over No. 18 Purdue and at Michigan State. The libero averaged 5.2 digs per set and received serves with 98 percent accuracy while passing her squad to a .344 hitting mark over two matches. Edinger recorded 15 digs against the nationally ranked Boilermakers on Wednesday, helping Illinois to its third straight win over a ranked opponent. She also executed on all 23 of her service reception opportunities and passed her team to a season-high .370 hitting percentage. On Sunday against Michigan State, the Michigan City, Ind., native tallied 16 digs and was 19-for-20 in service receptions. Behind Edinger's defense, Illinois held its opponents to just .145 hitting on the weekend. The honor is the second of her career and the third weekly accolade for Illinois this season.
Last ILL POW: Johannah Bangert (defense), Oct. 13, 2008
