Staten, a sophomore defensive specialist from Athens, turned heads while making just her third and fourth career starts at libero during last week's NCAA Division III Volleyball Tournament in Elmhurst, Ill.
Staten performed admirably in the back row, coming up with 17 digs during the first round and helping limit the DePauw offense to just a .167 team hitting percentage for the match.
She continued her strong play in the regional semifinal the following day, posting a career-high 23 digs as the Otterbein defense held No. 2-ranked Hope more than 100 percentage points below its offensive season average of .272. She also had eight assists and one service ace over the two days.
Staten and teammate Tabatha Piper left the volleyball regional shortly after the team's elimination to drive and join the women's basketball team in Franklin, Ind. for its tip-off tournament. Staten played seven minutes off the bench the following afternoon, posting two rebounds, one assist, and one steal.
