Volleyball: Women's

Katie Slay, a sophomore on the Penn State women's volleyball team, won the Big Ten defensive player of the week award for her strong blocking against Wisconsin Friday night and No. 10 Minnesota Saturday night.

Slay's award is the second such award she has won thus far this season.

Coach Russ Rose praised her performances after each match, emphasizing that Slay has been one of the team's most consistent players all season.

Slay rebounded from her worst performance of the season last weekend against Iowa to have a strong night against Wisconsin. The sophomore middle hitter tallied five blocks, including two solo blocks. Slay also had eight kills on nine total attacks.

Slay also led the way for the Nittany Lions' defense against the Golden Gophers. Her seven total blocks, including another two solo blocks, were instrumental in slowing down Minnesota's high powered offense. Minnesota's star outside hitter Ashley Wittman was forced into eight hitting errors, partly as a result of Slay's play at the net.

For more on the Lions' blocking over the weekend, see this story from Monday's Daily Collegian:

http://www.collegian.psu.edu/archive/2011/10/03/Womens_Volleyball_blocking.aspx