Nov. 6, 2008

(San Francisco) - Carly Babin, a senior middle blocker on the USF women's volleyball team, has been named the West Coast Conference Player of the Month for October, as announced by the league office Thursday. The honor marks the first time in program-history that a Don has earned the accolade.

Babin led the Dons to a stellar 7-1 record, all of which were WCC contests, in the month of October. The native of Las Vegas, Nev. paced the Dons to an outstanding month, in which San Francisco defeated three nationally-ranked teams, with 98 kills (3.06) on .402 hitting with five service aces, 21 digs and team-high 40 blocks (1.25) to lead USF with 128.0 points (4.00).

Highlighting the month for Babin was a 19 kill, .826 hitting percentage, seven block, performance against then-No. 15 San Diego on October 11. For her efforts against the Toreros, Babin was named WCC Player of the Week.

During the month of October, the Dons strung together an outstanding month, defeating all seven WCC foes including a three-week span in which they defeated three ranked teams. Thanks to the efforts of Babin, USF also earned a program-high national ranking of 22 and are currently ranked 25th, marking the first time in program history the Dons have been ranked in back-to-back weeks.

San Francisco returns to the court Saturday as they battle with No. 14 San Diego for first place in the conference. The Dons and Toreros will match-up at 1 p.m. at the Jenny Craig Pavilion in San Diego.