Volleyball players earn Big Ten awards

Still caught in the euphoria of earning its first NCAA tournament bid since 2002, the IU volleyball team received more awards Tuesday.

Three Hoosiers earned Big Ten postseason awards following the first 20-win season of Coach Sherry Dunbar’s tenure and upsets of four top-25 conference foes.

Senior middle blocker Ashley Benson earned all-Big Ten honors for the third straight season.

The Bloomington native posted a season hitting efficiency of .413, good for second in the conference and 10th in the nation, and she also ranked as the Big Ten’s third best blocker with 1.38 rejections per set.

Sophomore outside hitter Jordan Haverly earned an honorable mention after recording 4.12 points per set and 33 service aces on the season, both statistics placing the Cherry Valley, Ill. native fifth in the conference.

Senior middle blocker Taylor Wittmer was recognized as one of 11 recipients of the Big Ten sportsmanship award.

IU opens NCAA tournament play at 7 p.m. friday against Miami (Fla.) at University Gym.