Malinda Reese of San Carlos, California was named the Golden State Athletic Conference Libero of the Week for her performances in Westmont’s two volleyball games last week. The junior tallied 33 server receptions with out an error and 6.83 digs per game.

“Malinda had a great week,” said head coach Jim Smoot. “What doesn’t show up in the stats is the quality of her serve receptions. On a scale of three, she passed at an average rate of 2.4 which is excellent. She is passing the ball where we can run the offense and that definitely made a difference in our win over San Diego Christian.”

Reese is currently fifth on Westmont’s career dig list with 1329 and needs just 113 more to surpass current assistant coach Patti Scofield Cook who sits atop the list. She already owns the career digs per game record (5.99) and the digs in a single season record (622).

Westmont volleyball picked up their first conference win of the season on Saturday as the Warriors defeated San Diego Christian (1-6, 0-4) in three games (30-22, 30-13, 30-17).

“This game was a turn around and gave us more confidence,” said senior captain Kelsey Voetmann. “The last couple of games we have not been jelling. We were playing as individuals instead of a team. This afternoon felt like a team. We went out there like it was Thursday afternoon practice. The worry was gone and we just played volleyball. It felt good.”

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Westmont volleyball battled against #6 Concordia in Irvine, but the Eagles prevailed in three games 30-19, 30-27, 30-18.

In the first game of the match, Westmont (2-4, 0-2) help a slight 10-9 advantage but allowed Concordia (10-0, 2-0) to go on an 11-0 run which included four service aces in a row by the Eagles’ Ashley Robbins. That unchecked attacked proved to be the difference in the first game.

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The Westmont volleyball team opened the Golden State Athletic Conference season in Fullerton on Tuesday evening, but suffered a 3-1 set back at Hope International (3-5, 1-0).

Freshman middle blocker Katelyn Lowry helped power the Warriors to a first game win (30-21) by connecting on four of five attacks. Lowry totaled eight kills and posted a .333 attack percentage for the match.

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Friday and Saturday brought the start of the Westmont volleyball season as the Warriors traveled to Irvine to participate in the 2006 Crowne Plaza Labor Day Festival hosted by Concordia.

First up for the Warriors was a match against Carroll (Mont.) which Westmont lost 3-1 (30-26, 30-21, 28-30, 30-23). Senior outside hitter Kelsey Voetman recorded 11 kills to lead the Warriors while sophomore Katie Sharp and freshman Stephanie Dunn each posted a .333 attack percentage.

The 2006 edition of Westmont Volleyball has expanded its vertical dimensions both literally and figuratively. Literally, head coach Jim Smoot has added six recruits, all of whom range in height from five feet eleven inches to six feet one inch. The extra height should help address one of the biggest deficits from last year, which was a lack of blocking.

Figuratively, the Warriors look to be much deeper.

Head coach Jim Smoot has announced the signing of six new players to the Westmont volleyball squad. Sophomore Laura Trudelle of Portola Valley will join freshmen Jenise DeBie of Paramount, Beth Widicus of Coto de Caza, Katelyn Lowry of Menifee, Tara Trimble of Greenwood Village, Colorado and Stephanie Dunn of Makawao, Hawaii for the 2006 campaign.

“It’s a pretty good recruiting class,” said Smoot. “Obviously we have increased our height and everybody has the ability to come in and start right away. It’s going to make for a very competitive situation in practice.”

Thirteen Westmont athletes were honored on Thursday night at the Twelfth Annual Golden Eagle Scholar-Athlete Awards Dinner which was held at Fess Parker’s Doubletree Resort. Athletic Director Dave Wolf served as this year’s host for the celebration which is sponsored by the Pacific Beverage Company and Peter and Gerd Jordano. Golden Eagle recipients possess at least sophomore standing and maintain at least a GPA of 3.25.

Russell Smelly, cross country head coach, presented the Golden Eagle Award to seniors Luke Oliver and Jessica Goulder to the gathering. Oliver, a religious studies major with a 3.88 GPA, helped the Warriors return to the NAIA National Championships as a team this last fall for the first time since 2001. The return to nationals was the culmination of a four year goal by the NAIA All-American Scholar-Athlete. Last May, Oliver competed in the marathon at the NAIA National Championships and plans to do the same this year in his final collegiate competition.