June 2, 2009

Santa Clara volleyball, looking for its 12th straight NCAA Tournament bid in 2009, will feature a number of talented new faces next season as it signed six newcomers. PrepVolleyball.com believes it will be very talented as well, ranking the Broncos' 2009 recruiting class No. 11 nationally and the top class in the West Coast Conference.

"Replacing a player like Anna Cmaylo is never easy," said Bronco head coach Jon Wallace, who will be at the helm for his 11th season at SCU. "Anna was a three-time All-American at Santa Clara and also a great leader. With this class, we feel like we have addressed a number of needs that should help us continue to be successful. This group of six players will be the core of the future and we expect them to make an immediate impact in 2009.

"We had a good spring of training. I know the energy of these six freshmen will help us during our preseason and will translate into us having a very competitive and spirited gym," continued Wallace.

Santa Clara's 2009 signees include:

Katie Borden, 5-7 DS, Laguna Blanca (Santa Barbara CA), Santa Barbara VBC

Katherine Douglas, 6-1 OH, Woodside (CA), Vision

Kayla Lommori, 5-11 OH, Yerington (NV), Capital City

Alexandra Palmer, 5-7 S, Laguna Beach (CA), Laguna Beach VBC

Samantha Peters, 6-2 MB, Cherry Creek (Englewood CO), Colorado Performance

Lexi Williamson, 6-1 OH, Cathedral Catholic (San Diego CA), Wave


PrepVolleyball.com had this to say about Santa Clara's recruiting class:


Those heading into The Leavey Center this fall will find six new faces wearing Bronco colors.

Half of this group plays on the outside and all three are heralded. Douglas, No. 16 on the Senior Aces list, is the most complete of the trio. Her unmatched work ethic allows her to make an impact in all six rotations. Williamson, Senior Ace No. 50 and MVP of the California Division III state tournament, brings a variety of shots to complement her offense. Her recognition of the defense combined with her great ball contact allows her to place the ball in just the right spot. Lommori, who was No. 73 in the Senior Aces, brings pure, raw power that should demand the attention of any defense. With experience, she could turn into a force. At 6-2, Peters will look to fill the shoes of three-time All American Anna Cmaylo in the middle. Peters is a great personality who is light on her feet and can finish a block as well as the very best middles in this class. The only knock on Palmer, No. 54 in the Senior Aces, is height. A winner by every measure, Palmer delivers a hittable ball every time, is a great defender and plays every point with passion and intelligence. She could start right away for head coach Jon Wallace. Borden, a high school hitter, adds depth to the back row.