I Minnesota junior outside hitter Cassie Busse (Prior Lake, Minn.) was named Big Ten Player of the Week for August 26, 2002. It marks the first time that Busse has received the honor.

Busse averaged 4.14 kills per game, 2.57 digs per game, 1.29 blocks per game and 1.14 service aces per game in two matches in the prestigious State Farm Women's Volleyball Classic. Busse tied for a team-high 13 kills, and had her second career double-double with 12 digs in Minnesota's three-game victory over No. 8 Pepperdine. She also tied a career-high with four service aces and had five blocks.

In the Championship Match against No. 1 Stanford, Busse had a team- high 16 kills, six digs and tied a career-high four service aces again. The Golden Gophers lost that match in four games to the defending national champions. Busse becomes the first Minnesota player to receive the honors since Stephanie Hagen on Nov. 12, 2001.

Minnesota will be in action next on Friday, Aug. 30 when it begins the Florida Atlantic Classic against NC State at 11:30 a.m. The Golden Gophers will also play Wright State at 4 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 30.

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