VOLLEYBALL SIGNS FOUR

ELKINS, WV - First-year head coach Ashley Pappas has announced the signing of four student-athletes to play volleyball for the Senators in 2012.

Kayla Huckaby (Morgantown, WV/Trinity Christian), Natalie Mathieu (Loves Park, IL/Harlem), Haylee Murray (Warrenton, VA/Fauquier), and Brittany Behensky (Dunedin, FL/Lakeside Christian) have signed a National Letter of Intent to join the program this fall.

"Our program is very excited to take on this group of girls and they will certainly make a great addition to our roster with their athleticism, personality and skill set, " stated Coach Pappas.  "These young women have a true understanding of what it is our program is working towards, and with their work ethic and knowledge for the game we certainly can't wait to get them in the gym with the rest of the group."

"Kayla has great athletic ability and her ceiling is high, with an excellent gage on how to break down plays and anticipate.  As a defender she has a strong base on passing, is very consistent at digging opposing attacks and starting her team back on offense.  She is very competitive and her tenacity and passion for the game will help our program, " remarked Pappas.  Kayla was named first team All-State in 2011, honorable mention All-State in 2010 and first team All-Conference Mason-Dixon/OVAC for 2010-2011.

Natalie joins the Senators from Harlem High School as a three-year letter winner in a competitive Illinois conference.  She was named to the All-Tournament Team in Oregon and served as a captain during her senior season.  "One of the most impressive things about Natalie is her solid technical skills, and that is a direct reflection of her high level or traning received as a member of Fusion Volleyball Club.  Offensively, Natalie's quick arm and natural ability to place the ball gives her a leg up as a smaller attacker.  Overall, she will be a consistent player for us both offensively and defensively, " stated Pappas.

Haylee Murray, a setter, should have an immediate impact at D&E.  "I am fortunate to have also worked with Haylee in camp and watched her develop throughout the club season and I have been very impressed with her growth as a setter, " commented Pappas.  "With her competitive nature and solid ability to run a quick and varied offense, along with excellent fundamentals, she is expected to contribute immediately."  Murray was named first team All-District for the Evergreen District as a junior and senior, second team All-Region, and was the MVP of the Fauquier High School volleyball team.

As a middle blocker, Brittany comes to Elkins from Lakeland Christian High School in Dunedin, Florida.  During her career she was named Tampa Bay Times All-Country honorable mention and team MVP.  "Brittany is an aggressive player with a powerful arm and she touches a lot of balls on the block.  She has all the makings to be a great contributor to our teams success over the course of her career, commented Pappas.

Coach Pappas commented on the entire class,"These young ladies will add depth to our program.  The future for our volleyball program looks bright as we hope to make an impressionable impact on the conference for the 2012 season."

The Senators will open the 2012 season August 31 at 2 p.m. vs. Gannon University.