USF Volleyball Celebrates Record-Setting 2006 Season at Awards Banquet

April 15, 2007

(San Francisco) - USF volleyball celebrated the accomplishments of the 2006 season Sunday night with a year-end banquet at the Handelry Room on the Lone Mountain Campus. It was a chance to reflect on the Dons record-setting 2006 campaign as San Francisco matched the program record for most wins in a season (23) and just missed the team's second ever berth in the NCAA Tournament.

New USF head coach Gilad Doron introduced his new staff, comprised of former US National Team member and Pacific men's standout Dan Fisher and Samantha Hartwell, a former player for Doron at Villanova. Doron spent three seasons as the Wildcat's head coach, compiling a 46-44 overall record on the Mainline.

USF recognized the career accomplishments and the lone senior, setter Jamie Kartchner, who leaves a lasting impact on the program after helping the Dons to 53 victories in three seasons after transferring from Weber State for the 2004 season. Kartchner departs the Hilltop ranked second in program history in assists with 3,270.

Junior outside hitter Kristin Hasselberg earned All-West Coast Conference first team honors in 2006 after helping the Dons to their second upper-echelon league finish in four seasons after ranking second in the league in kills (4.56) and points (5.13). Sophomore middle blocker Alix Gombos earned All-WCC Honorable Mention selection after leading the team and ranking second in the conference in attack percentage (.345). USF's lone freshman, libero Haley Carroll was named to the WCC All-Freshman team after ranking third in the league in digs (4.64).

Gombos was selected as the USF Captain's Award recipient and took team honors as top attacker. Gombos also won the coaches award, as chosen by former coach Jeff Nelson and his staff. Sophomore middle blocker Carly Babin posted the second highest single-season blocking tally in school history (143) and earned top blocker honors.

Junior outside hitter Brynn Maurer, who set the program career digs record in 2006 (1,359 and counting) captured the Green and Gold Loyalty Award presented to the student-athlete best representing the university and the athletic department on the court, in the classroom and in the community.

2006 USF Volleyball Team Awards
Green and Gold Club Loyalty Award: Brynn Maurer
Coaches Award: Alix Gombos
Captain's Award: Alix Gombos
Most Improved: Anna Berger & Tiffany Woo
Top Newcomer: Haley Carroll
Academic Award: Susan Bednarova