Dec. 17, 2008

PARK RIDGE, Ill. – A conference-record 11 Big Ten volleyball players were named to the AVCA Division I All-America first, second and third teams, the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) announced on Wednesday. Among the selections, five individuals earned first-team recognition, setting another conference record.

With 11 selections on the first through third teams, the Big Ten shatters its previous record of seven, set in 1996 and tied in 2003, 2004, 2006 and 2007. Five first-team members breaks the Big Ten’s old record of four, set in 1996 and tied in 2004, and ties the Pac-10 for most among all conferences.

Penn State senior Nicole Fawcett, the Big Ten Player of the Year, is one of just two four-time All-Americans on the list and earns her third straight first-team selection. PSU junior Megan Hodge is also making her third consecutive appearance on the first team, while senior Christa Harmotto receives her third overall All-America nod and her second spot on the first team. Nittany Lion setter Alisha Glass is making her first appearance on the first team as she earns her second All-America selection. Purdue senior Stephanie Lynch is making her All-America debut on this year’s first team.

Five Big Ten sophomores are honored on the second team, setting another Big Ten record. Illinois’ Laura DeBruler, Michigan’s Lexi Zimmerman, Minnesota’s Brook Dieter and Penn State’s Blair Brown and Arielle Wilson all earn their first All-America honors. Minnesota sophomore Lauren Gibbemeyer takes home her first All-America award with a spot on the third team.

In addition, Indiana senior Erica Short and Minnesota junior Christine Tan, the Big Ten’s Defensive Player of the Year, are honorable mention All-America selections.

Big Ten Women's Volleyball

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