BTN.com staff, BTN.com staff, August 16, 2013
Defending Big Ten champion Penn State was chosen as the conference favorite for the 2013 season, as voted on by the Big Ten coaches, it was announced Friday. Earning the conference?s automatic berth to the NCAA Championship last season, the Nittany Lions top the poll for the eighth time in the last nine seasons.
Minnesota, which finished tied for second in the Big Ten in 2012, was voted to finish second this season. Michigan, which advanced to the NCAA semifinals last season, was selected to finish third this year, while Nebraska, which also finished the 2012 conference season tied for second, was tabbed fourth in the voting. Michigan State and Illinois round out the poll at No. 5 and No. 6, respectively.
2013 Preseason Poll
1. Penn State
2. Minnesota
3. Michigan
4. Nebraska
5. Michigan State
6. Illinois
2013 PRESEASON ALL-BIG TEN TEAM
Name | School | Yr. | Position | Hometown |
Jocelynn Birks | Illinois | So. | Outside Hitter | Willow Springs, Ill. |
Liz McMahon (2) | Illinois | Jr. | Outside Hitter | Liberty Township, Ohio |
Jennifer Cross | Michigan | Sr. | Middle Blocker | Scarborough, Ontario |
Lexi Dannemiller | Michigan | Jr. | Setter | West Chester, Ohio |
Lexi Erwin | Michigan | Sr. | Outside Hitter | Spring, Texas |
LAUREN WICINSKI | Michigan State | Sr. | Outside Hitter | Geneva, Ill. |
TORI DIXON (3) | Minnesota | Sr. | Middle Blocker | Burnsville, Minn. |
Ashley Wittman (3) | Minnesota | Sr. | Outside Hitter | Shakopee, Minn. |
Stephanie Holthus (3) | Northwestern | Sr. | Outside Hitter | Burlington, Ill. |
Megan Courtney | Penn State | So. | Setter/Outside Hitter | Dayton, Ohio |
Micha Hancock | Penn State | Jr. | Setter | Edmond, Okla. |
Deja McClendon (3) | Penn State | Sr. | Outside Hitter | Louisville, Ky. |
ARIEL SCOTT (2) | Penn State | Sr. | Rightside Hitter | Ridgewood, N.J. |
Katie Slay (3) | Penn State | Sr. | Middle Hitter | Raleigh, N.C. |
UNANIMOUS SELECTION IN CAPS
(2) Two-time selection
(3) Three-time selection