Warrior named Co-Libero of the Year following record season

2005 Cascade Collegiate Conference and NAIA Region I Co-Libero of the Year Becky Horn

2005 All-Conference Honorable Mention Nina Clanton

SALEM, Ore. – Even though Corban’s women’s volleyball season was cut short, two players were honored for their play on the court, as juniors Becky Horn (Troutdale, Ore.) and Nina Clanton (Hillsboro, Ore.) were named Cascade Collegiate Conference Co-Libero of the Year and All-Conference honorable mention respectively.

Horn, who transferred to Corban from Clackamas Community College, was named conference Co-Libero of the Year along with senior Erin Blythe of Concordia and NAIA Region I Co-Libero of the Year along with Beka Hudson of Montana Tech.  The 5-foot-6 Reynolds High School graduate recorded a team-high 499 digs and a school-record 6.24 digs per game.  The Corban newcomer broke former Warrior Jamie Ruda’s single season digs per game record by 0.90 digs per game.  Over the 22 matches and 80 games, Horn anchored the Warriors’ back line as she recorded 10-or-more digs 20 times, 20-or-more digs 13 times, and 30-or-more digs 4 times, with a season-high 41 versus Eastern Oregon on October 8th.

“Becky stepped into a position behind a 2-time All-Conference Libero of the Year,” said head coach Tracy Smith.  “She not only met, but exceeded expectations at the position.  She made a smooth transition into a new system and was a key contributor in every match for the Warriors.  Becky really is an outstanding competitor and an uplifting teammate.”

Clanton, who transferred to Corban from nearby Chemeketa Community College, was named All-Conference honorable mention following a season in which she recorded 197 kills, 15 service aces, 190 digs, and 58 blocks.  The 5-foot-9 junior led the team in blocks (58) and blocks per game (0.73), while finishing 2nd on the team in kills, and 3rd in kills per game (2.46).

“Nina has worked hard at the transition into Warrior volleyball,” commented Smith.  “She took on the challenge of developing her defensive game and was able to have a positive impact for us all-around on the court.  She is a lot of fun and has helped the team grow this season.”

This is the third year in a row that Corban has received conference Libero of the Year honors following back-to-back awards by four-year starter and three-year libero, Jamie Ruda.