Courtesy North Park Sports Information

The North Park volleyball team honored two distinguished graduates and former Viking volleyball players prior to Monday night's match with Eastern Mennonite University.

North Park recognized EMU coach Steve Benson, a graduate of North Park in 1993 and his wife, Melissa, a 1992 NP grad, for the outstanding accomplishments they attained on the court during their time as student-athletes.

Melissa, formerly Melissa Moreland, was a solid player as a hitter turned setter for North Park. She debuted on Sept. 30, 1989 and finished with 28 assists and was a perfect 12-for-12 in serving. Some of her career highlights include a career-high 36 assists vs. Moody Bible on Sept. 24, 1991. She was also named to the All-Tournament Team at the Moody Bible Tournament Oct. 4-5, 1991, she broke her own school record of 39 service aces with 51 service aces in the 1991 season, was a four-year letter winner, served as the team captain her senior year, led the team in assists her junior and senior years and graduated as the career record holder in service aces.

As a member of the men's club volleyball team, Steve served as the coordinator of the squad. He played the setter position and led the team in assists his last two seasons and was named First Team All-Conference in the Midwest Collegiate Volleyball Association his senior year.

North Park Athletic Director Dr. Jack Surridge and Head Volleyball coach Coley Pawlikowski presented Steve and Melissa an accomplishments plaque, flowers and North Park scarves.