U volleyball: Dixon, Wittman named to Mideast all-region team

Middle blocker Tori Dixon and outside hitter Ashley Wittman, both Gopher sophomores, were named to the 14-player Mideast all-region volleyball team by the American Volleyball Coaches Association.

Dixon ranks fourth in the Big Ten in hitting percentage (3.49) and is second on her team in kills (330), points (419) and blocks (103). Wittman leads the Gophers in kills (541) and averages 4.5 per set. She also is third on the team in digs (331) and blocks (58).

Both were all-Big Ten picks this season.

The Gophers play Iowa State at 7 p.m. in the semifinals of the NCAA regional at the Sports Pavilion. Purdue and Florida State meet at 5 p.m. Both matches are on ESPN3.

The regional final will be 8:30 p.m. Saturday on ESPNU.

There are 10 other Big Ten players on the Mideast all-region team:

Illinois: Michelle Bartsch, OH, sr.; Colleen Ward, OH, sr.

Nebraska: Gina Mancuso, OH, jr.

Ohio State: Mari Hole, OH, jr.

Penn State: Deja McClendon, OH, so.; Ariel Scott, RS, so.; Katie Slay, MB, so.

Purdue: Tiffany Fisher, MB, sr.; Ariel Turner, OH, jr.