| Northwestern (12-2, 2-1 B1G) vs. No. 18 Minnesota (11-3, 1-2 B1G) |
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| Date | Time | October 5 | 1 p.m. |
| Location | Welsh-Ryan Arena | Evanston, Ill. |
| Live Stats | GameTracker |
| Watch Live | BTN Plus on BTN2GO |
| Social Media | @NUVball  | Northwestern Volleyball  | @nu_volleyball  |
| Notes | Northwestern |
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Northwestern concludes its season-long, nine-match, homestand on Sunday when the 18th-ranked Minnesota Golden Gophers invade Welsh-Ryan Arena for a Big Ten matinee at 1 p.m.
Defensive Dandies
The Wildcats are holding the opposition to a hitting percentage of .150 this season, a number that ranks second in the Big Ten and 25th in the NCAA through October 1. In seven contests at Welsh-Ryan Arena, opponents are hitting just .139 with marks of .160 or lower in six of the eight matches (Ohio; Wisconsin) and .000 or lower twice (Green Bay and Rutgers). Maddie Slater (0.92 blocks per set) and Katie Dutchman (0.90) are leading the way up front at home, while libero Caroline Niedospial has averaged 5.31 digs per set since Sept. 12. Niedospial had 26 digs in a three-set win against Virginia on Sept. 13 and was named MVP of the Wildcat Classic and the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week on Sept. 15.
B1G Start
Northwestern won both of its first two Big Ten matches over the opening weekend against two newcomers, Rutgers and Maryland, marking the first time since 2010 that the Wildcats opened conference play with back-to-back wins. NU began Big Ten play with three wins twice in the Keylor Chan era, in 2002 and 2010, and both times the Wildcats went on to compete in the NCAA Tournament.
Tashima Tabbed Freshman of the Week
After missing three matches with an upper body injury, setter Taylor Tashima opened the first weekend of Big Ten play with back-to-back double-doubles, earning Big Ten Freshman of the Week recognition Monday. Against B1G newcomer Maryland on Sept. 27, the Wilmette, Ill., native had a record night. She set a career-high with six kills, and earned her fifth career double-double behind 46 assists and 12 digs, a number which matched her previous career high. Tashima's classmate, Symone Abbott, has also been honored as the Big Ten Freshman of the Week this season, claiming the award on Sept. 15. following the Wildcat Classic.
Presence in the Polls
Northwestern has received votes in each of the last five AVCA top 25 coaches polls. The Wildcats also received votes in four editions of the poll a year ago, most recently on Nov. 18, 2013 following wins against 18th-ranked Purdue and Indiana at Welsh-Ryan Arena. The `Cats have not appeared in the top 25 since Nov. 15, 2010 when they were recognized for the eighth consecutive week.
Abbott on the Attack
Freshman Symone Abbott has provided a consistent presence on the floor for the Wildcats this fall, especially on the offensive side. The outside hitter has played in all 14 matches and started 11 of those contests for Northwestern. The Northville, Mich., native has registered double-digit kills in all but three matches she has played and she has pounded down a career-high 17 on two occasions (last Sept. 27 vs. Maryland). Abbott currently leads the team with 3.55 kills per set and a hitting percentage of .314 in Big Ten matches.
Upcoming Promotions:
Sunday, October 5th vs. Minnesota
'Cats Clinic: The Northwestern Volleyball team invites all area girls in 8th grade and under to join them as they host their annual in-season skills clinic after their match with Minnesota on Sunday, October 5th. Various drills will be demonstrated in an effort to teach fundamental volleyball skills to participants. The clinic will last an hour following the match. Participants should arrive in athletic shoes and comfortable clothes and be prepared for a great time with the Wildcats!
Registration is only $10 and includes admission to the match, clinic instruction, water bottle, and two vouchers for free admission to any future Northwestern volleyball match (a $14 value in itself). For more information or to register, please email wildcatmarketing@northwestern.edu. There are only 150 spots available for the clinic, so register now! Click here to register now.
Camper Reunion Day: Northwestern volleyball summer campers, friends and family will be admitted for $3. As a bonus, campers will be admitted to the 'Cats Clinic at no extra charge. In addition, summer campers will be invited onto the court to form a tunnel for the team during the pre-game lineup announcement. To sign up to be part of the tunnel, email wildcatmarketing@northwestern.edu. Get your discount at the ticket gate by telling them you were a summer camper!
Football Ticket Deal: Northwestern football fans are invited to check out the Wildcats as they take on Minnesota. Fans who present a ticket stub from the Northwestern-Wisconsin football game the day before will be admitted to the volleyball match for just $3.
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