By Staff
NOTRE DAME, Ind. - Shelly Bender received all-league accolades for her performance on Saint Marys' volleyball team by the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA). She was also awarded an honorable mention nod by the coaches.
As a senior, Bender, a graduate of Buchanan High School, led the Belles in hitting percentage (.271 percent) while posting 2.25 kills a game in league play. The middle blocker also led the team with 17 service aces.
Also earning honors from the Belles' team were Anne Cusack, who was named to the second team MIAA volleyball team and Kristen Playko who also received an honorable mention.
With three players listed among the all-conference honorees, it marks just the second time in the last six seasons that Saint Mary's placed three players on the all-league squad.
Steve Bender head coach of Belles
Steve Bender begins his first season as head coach of the Belles basketball team.
Previously, Bender served as head coach for the Buchanan High School boys basketball program. He still serves as head coach for the boys tennis team and recently led the squad to the 2003 Michigan state championships.
He has led the Bucks to 14 straight state finals appearances in boys tennis. In addition, the 49 year-old has amassed 160 wins in his 17 years at the tennis helm.