Northwestern University Athletics
Two Wildcats Recognized with Big Ten Accolades
9/15/2014 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
EVANSTON, Ill. -- After posting three victories and winning the 2014 Wildcat Classic over the weekend, Northwestern's Caroline Niedospial was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week, while newcomer Symone Abbott was tabbed as the Big Ten Freshman of the Week Monday. It is the first weekly award from the conference for both Niedospial and Abbott.
Niedsospial earned Wildcat Classic MVP honors after averaging 6.7 digs per set during Northwestern's win against Youngstown State, Loyola (Chicago) and Virginia. She collected 25 digs on Sept. 12 against the Ramblers and followed that up with a 26-dig performance in the three-set finale against the Cavaliers on Sept. 13. Half of her 26 digs came in the first set alone. The redshirt junior's 26 digs were the second-most in a three set patch in program history and only three shy of matching her career high (29 on 10/27/13 at Minnesota).
The Evergreen Park, Ill., native also matched a season high with five assists in the win against crosstown rival Loyola. She is the first Defensive Player of the Week for Northwestern since Katie Dutchman won three consecutive awards between Oct. 17-31, 2011. Niedospial is the program's first libero to earn the recognition since Kate Nobilio on Nov. 23, 2009.
Abbott also made a significant impact in just her third weekend of collegiate volleyball. The Northville, Mich., native posted double-digit kills in all three victories during the Wildcat Classic while leading the 'Cats with 3.80 kills per set. In NU's first match against Youngstown State, Abbott buried a career-best 16 kills at an impressive clip of .481.
The true freshman is the first member of the Wildcats to earn this accolade since Caleigh Ryan on Oct. 14 of last year.
"We're all very excited that both Carks [Niedospial] and Symone were recognized by the Big Ten for strong efforts over the weekend," said Northwestern head coach Keylor Chan. "Both were critical to our success and we would not have won three matches without their contributions on the court."
Niedospial, Abbott and the rest of the Wildcats will return to Welsh-Ryan Arena on Thursday, Sept. 18 to host the Ohio Bobcats at 7 p.m.
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