Indiana University Athletics
Gerling Earns Big Ten Accolade
9/26/2005 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Sept. 26, 2005
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Senior outside hitter Rachel Gerling garnered the Defensive Big Ten Player of the Week award for the week ending Sept. 25, as announced by the league office on Monday.
"Rachel has been a great defensive player for us this season," Indiana head coach Katie Weismiller said. "She was such a strong presence defensively for us this weekend. She really picked up and controlled our defense. She certainly deserves the honor."
Gerling helped lead IU to its first win over Michigan in four matches with a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory. The Orange, Calif., native showed up all over the box score with 15 kills, two assists, two aces, 19 digs and five block assists. In the loss to Michigan State, Gerling posted nine kills, an assist, five service aces, 18 digs and three block assists.
Meanwhile, Gerling only had one reception error in 75 attempts. For the weekend, Gerling led IU with seven aces and 37 digs.
With the inception of the Defensive Player of the Week award this year, Gerling is the first Hoosier to earn the nod. She is also the first Indiana player to be honored by the league since Christina Archibald in 2002.
IU concludes its non-conference slate tomorrow with a contest against Evansville at 7 p.m., in the University Gym in Bloomington, Ind.
