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Clevenger collects SWC MVP By Kris Henry Updated: Nov 03, 2022 06:10 PM A A South Medford senior propels Panthers into first-ever state tournament Whenever and however the South Medford volleyball team needed her this season, Katie Clevenger was always ready to answer her call to duty. That aspect did not go unnoticed during the recent all-conference voting by the Southwest Conference coaches. Clevenger, a 6-foot outside hitter, was named SWC player of the year after guiding the Panthers to a runner-up showing in conference play and 23-6 record entering Friday’s Class 6A state championships in Forest Grove. A four-year varsity performer for South Medford, Clevenger has averaged 14.1 kills, 9.1 digs and 2.9 aces per match in helping the Panthers advance to their first-ever appearance at the final site. “It’s a big accomplishment for the girls and for the program,” said South Medford head coach Robin Akpan after Saturday’s win over Central Catholic vaulting her team to the quarterfinals. “It’s so fun for them to get to play into November.” Akpan has credited the Cal Poly-bound Clevenger with providing that spark to help get the Panthers over the hump in many a match this season, but the team has shown good complementary strength as well in earning their historic accomplishment. As evidence, South Medford seniors Cameron Christian and Baylee Davis, junior Brooke Johnston and freshman Mayen Akpan were recognized with second-team all-SWC honors. Davis has averaged 26.2 assists and 2.1 aces per match at setter, while Christian has been a defensive stalwart with 7.3 digs per match. Johnston, an outside hitter, has supplied 4.9 kills and 1.4 assists and Akpan has made an instant impact at middle blocker by averaging 5.1 kills and 2.1 blocks. The only other Southern Oregon player to earn first-team all-SWC honors proved to be North Medford senior setter Maddie Blake, while senior middle blocker AJ Brooks was recognized on the second team for the Black Tornado. Blake averaged 9.4 assists, 3.7 kills and 1.8 blocks per match this season for North, while Brooks contributed 6.3 kills and 1.6 blocks per match. Sheldon, which went 11-1 in SWC play, saw head coach Martine Wodke named conference coach of the year. The Irish (26-5) will face South Medford to open tournament play at 10 a.m. Friday, with a matchup for one of those teams looming with another SWC team, Roseburg (18-5), as the league has placed three teams in the bottom portion of the eight-team bracket. ALL-SWC VOLLEYBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Katie Clevenger, Sr., South Medford. COACH OF THE YEAR: Martine Wodke, Sheldon First Team Katie Clevenger, Sr., South Medford; Beaux Bruegman, Sr., Sheldon; Elle Bruegman, Sr., Sheldon; Hayden Pinard, Sr., Roseburg; Gwen Fife, Sr., Sheldon; Kaitlyn Wood, Sr., Sheldon; Kennedy Baylis Hines, Sr., Roseburg; Maddie Blake, Sr., North Medford; Kinsey Brelage, Sr., Roseburg. Second Team Cameron Christian, Sr., South Medford; Alyssa Lewey, Jr., Sheldon; Baylee Davis, Sr., South Medford; Jordan McKibben, Jr., Sheldon; Grace Luttrell, Sr., Roseburg; Brooke Johnston, Jr., South Medford; AJ Brooks, Sr., North Medford; Tayler Ziegler, Jr., Grants Pass; Ellie Jung, Jr., South Eugene; Mayenabasi Akpan, Fr., South Medford; Emma Fairbairn, Jr., Roseburg. Honorable Mention Neleh Zwink, Sr., Willamette; Kirsten Pangburn, Jr., South Eugene; Gracee Robertson, Jr., Sheldon; Alexa Medley, Sr., Grants Pass; Naomi Johnson, Sr., South Medford. Have a story idea? Reach sports editor Kris Henry at 541-776-4488, [email protected] or via Twitter @Kris_Henry South Medford's Katie Clevenger makes a hit for a point against Liberty last Wednesday in Medford. [Andy Atkinson / Mail Tribune]