By Staff
St. Mary's College sophomore Shelly Bender, a Buchanan High School graduate, has been named the school's Sophomore Athlete of the Month for October.
Bender is a starting middle hitter for the St. Mary's volleyball team which completed its most successful season in five years by finishing 16-13.
Bender was a major factor in the team's turnaround from its 7-21 finish in 2002. She was second on the team in blocks and fourth in kills.
St. Mary's graduates just one senior and looks to be the favorite next year in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association.