The Big Ten women's volleyball season is two weeks old now, and most teams are beating each other up.

No. 10 Wisconsin (13-2, 3-1 Big Ten) and Iowa (7-5, 3-1) both recorded their first loss in conference play, while No. 12 Penn State (12-4, 1-3), Purdue (9-7, 1-3) and Michigan (10-4, 1-3) captured their first wins.

However, No. 5 Minnesota (15-0, 4-0) and No. 11 Ohio State (14-0, 4-0) are looking more and more like they are the Big Ten's best, as they both remain undefeated.

All good things come to an end

Not one team was able to knock off Penn State at Rec Hall in 87 tries. The streak was the longest in NCAA history and spans so far back that none of the current Nittany Lions players were on the roster when Penn State lost at home the last time.

However, Gophers coach Mike Hebert, who was the last coach to walk away victorious in Happy Valley, brought his undefeated team to Penn State and won in impressive fashion Friday night. During the streak, no match had gone to five games. Ironically, the Lions lost that same way, dropping the match 3-1 (13-15, 15-12, 15-12, 15-11).

Penn State had its opportunities to win, but lost its grasp, dropping the last three games after seemingly being in control late in each one. The loss for the Lions was their third straight in the Big Ten.

Earning respect

Minnesota entered the weekend with a 13-0 record. However, to gain the respect they felt they deserved, a win over Penn State Friday was necessary. They took care of that, winning in four games. The Gophers took that momentum and were able to knock off Indiana (10-4, 1-3) the next night, 3-0 (15-9, 15-12, 15-8).

Minnesota now hopes to catch more of the nation's eyes with its fast start. The 15-game winning streak is not only a Gophers all-time record, breaking the previous 14-game mark, but it is also the best start of the season nationally.

Closing in

Just behind Minnesota is an Ohio State team that desires that same respect. The Buckeyes proved they belong near the top of the rankings by knocking off Wisconsin Friday night (14-16, 10-15, 15-11, 17-15, 15-12). It was a long and grueling match, as Wisconsin won the first two games, only to see the final three slip away.

The five-game thriller was an opportunity for Ohio State to pile up the statistics. The Buckeyes had five players with double-figure kills and six with double-figure digs. Just as Minnesota did, Ohio State came right back the next night and swept a much easier opponent. Northwestern (4-10, 1-3) was the victim, losing in three games.

Third time's a charm

For the third time this year, a Big Ten player has reached the 1,000-kill plateau. No. 19 Michigan State (10-3, 3-1) middle hitter Sarah Gustin follows Northwestern's Carmen Burbach and Ohio State's Dana Stearns as players to reach the milestone.

Gustin became the 10th Spartan to record more than 1,000 kills. She reached the mark Friday night against Purdue. Gustin had 18 kills, seven digs, four blocks and a .389 hitting percentage.

Player of the Week

Minnesota's hot start is only getting better, as middle hitter Stephanie Hagen becomes the third Gopher to win the Big Ten Player of the Week award. She also added AVCA/Sports Imports National Player of the Week honors.

Hagen led her team to wins over Penn State and Indiana last weekend. Against the Lions, she had 21 kills, 12 digs and six blocks. She tallied 22 kills, 10 digs, three blocks, and a .543 hitting percentage Saturday versus the Hoosiers. Hagen leads the conference in both hitting percentage (.441) and blocks per game (1.67).

Teammates Nicole Branagh and Lindsey Berg have also been conference Player of the Week recipients. However, Hagen is the only one of the three to not have to share the award with another player.