Indiana University Athletics
Gallagher Named Big Ten Freshman of the Week
8/27/2012 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Aug. 27, 2012
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Indiana Volleyball went 3-0 en route to the Black Knight Invitational title this weekend and freshman setter Katie Gallagher played a big part in IU's success. The Big Ten Conference has taken notice, naming her the Big Ten Volleyball Freshman of the Week. Gallagher had two double-doubles in the tournament and is averaging more assists per set than any other setter in the Big Ten. She is the first Hoosier to garner the award since Jordan Haverly won it three times in 2009.
Head coach Sherry Dunbar said that the Elmhurst, Ill., native stepped up in her debut weekend, filling in for senior setter Whitney Granado, who is out with illness.
"It was great to see Katie step into such a big role her first collegiate weekend," said Dunbar. "She displayed a very calming presence and allowed the hitters to do their job. It was nice to see her grow up as the tournament went along and start thinking the game. The experience she's getting right now with Whitney out will be invaluable to her in the future."
The freshman played every point of all three matches, leading the Hoosiers to a 3-0 start. She dished out 142 assists, including 50+ in the Stony Brook and Army matches and leads the Big Ten this season in assists per set at 12.91. She wasn't just setting though, she managed to get two double-doubles with a team-leading 38 digs on the weekend and added four blocks. She finished off Stony Brook, scoring the final point of the match with the first service ace of her career. Against Quinnipiac, Gallagher set the Hoosiers to an impressive .325 hitting percentage, getting assists on .537 of her sets.
The Hoosiers return to Bloomington to play at home for the first time on the season, hosting the Indiana Invitational, with Cleveland State, Bowling Green and Georgia Tech coming to University Gymnasium. For complete coverage of all things IU Volleyball, stay tuned to IUHoosiers.com.
