Feb. 7, 2005

SANTA CLARA, Calif. - The Santa Clara University volleyball program held its annual awards banquet last Saturday night at the Maggiano's Restaurant in Santana Row and recognized a number of outstanding team and individual performances that contributed to the team's success in 2004.

More than 60 members of the SCU volleyball community took part in the celebratory evening. Freshmen middle blockers Anna Cmaylo and Annalisa Muratore were named Most Valuable Offensive Players of the Year by their teammates. The squad also voted freshman Caroline Walters as the team's Most Valuable Defensive Player, while junior Rachel Greenberg was honored as the Most Inspirational Player. Cmaylo also received Most Improved and junior Kristen Luxton received the Bronco Award.

This year's freshmen class was ranked ninth nationally, according to PrepVolleyball.com in its annual rankings released in May. Muratore led the charge, finishing third in the NCAA in blocks per game (1.77) and 22nd in hitting percentage (.384) en route to being named the WCC Freshman of the Year. Walters ranked 50th in the NCAA in digs per game, with a 4.93 average, and also earned All-WCC honors.

Santa Clara (18-9) advanced to the NCAA postseason tournament for the seventh straight season, receiving an at-large berth after placing third in the West Coast Conference. The Broncos led the league in attendance, and ranked 14th in the NCAA in blocks per game, with a 3.1 average. The Broncos were also ranked nationally in assists (34th, 14.90) and kills (44th, 16.09) per game.

Individual honors were also celebrated, including awards from the AVCA and the West Coast Conference. A highlight film chronicling the team's season was also shown.