Aug. 23, 2010
PRINCESS ANNE, Md. - University of Maryland Eastern Shore women's volleyball head coach Don Metil announced the signing of eight student-athletes as the program's 2010 recruiting class Monday.
The class is made up of four transfers in Desirae Ceniceros (Las Cruces, N.M.), Chang Liu (Beijing, China), Ardelia Morris (Ocoee, Fla.) and Stephanie Sierra (El Paso, Texas) and four true freshmen in Kaveigna Lea-Aetoa (Salt Lake City, Utah). Jingquio Li (Beijing, China), Maline Vaitai (Salt Lake City, Utah) and Victoria Williams (Los Angeles, Calif.).
"With the loss of four impact starters, I needed to search the globe for numerous talented athletes to continue the traditional of Hawk volleyball we've been able to establish over the course of the past three years," said Metil. "I think we have added talent and skill with this class."
Ceniceros is a 5-foot-5 setter from New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell, N.M. Ceniceros was named to the Western Junior College Athletic Conference All-Conference Tram in 2009, averaging 2.47 digs per game and 10.2 assists per game in her final season at the school.
"Des will bring a wealth of experience to the setting position and experiences while at NMMI should bring leadership, discipline and guidance to the squad," Metil said.
Morris is a 6-foot outside hitter/middle blocker who played two seasons at Division II Francis Marion University. Morris holds Ocoee High School's single-match record for kills (19) and career kills mark (353).
"Ardelia brings the athleticism that may make up for our huge losses at the middle blocker position as well as the outside pin," said Metil. "She has an approach touch above 10 feet and the ability to hit a heavy ball. I look for good things to happen when Ardelia touches the ball."
Sierra, a 5-5 setter, comes to UMES from UTEP where she played one season for the Miners in Conference USA, starting 15 of 26 matches. Sierra averaged 1.76 digs per game and totaled 158.
"We are excited to sign such a high caliber, experienced athlete like Steph. She definitely has the ability to take us to the next level," noted Metil.
Rounding out the student-athletes with collegiate experience is Chang Liu. Liu is a 5-foot-11 sophomore from Division II Florida Tech.
"Chang is very versatile and can be used at multiple positions," said Metil. "She can play outside, middle, opposite, or even see time as a setter."
Freshman outside hitter Lea-Aetoa was First Team All-State in Utah as a senior at Highland High School and also earned team MVP honors that season.
She ranked fourth in Utah in service aces as a senior.
"Kave is electric on the court. She is the type of player that makes good things happen," Metil said. "Kave is very versatile and brings experience from the outside, middle and setting positions. Her well-rounded play will be an asset to us. She's the type of girl we can get creative with."
Li is a 5-foot-7 libero, who earned the Top Athlete Award at the 2006 National High School Volleyball Championship in China.
"Jingqiao has a very high volleyball IQ and brings a wealth of international experience to our libero position," Metil said. "Li's ability to serve receive will allow us to stay in system and run an effective offense."
Vaitai is a 6-foot outside hitter who was third in Utah in kills as well as fifth in the state in aces. She was also part of the Intermountain Youth Red team for USA volleyball which placed first in the summer of 2009.
"Maline has experienced a high level of play throughout her high school career and will compete for time on the outside," said Metil. "She has a very high contact point and has good court vision. She could very well establish herself as a go-to attacker."
Victoria Williams is a 6-2 right-side hitter who played three years of volleyball at Santa Monica High School and also for TCA in South Bay, Calif.
"I had the opportunity to see Tori play in Vegas and she immediately caught my eye," said Metil. "I look for Tori to become a huge weapon for us on the right side. She is long, lean, left-handed, powerful, jumps and blocks well and could potentially develop into a key six-rotation player."
UMES, who went 247 and 10-0 in the MEAC in 2009 open defense of their third straight northern division title Friday at Hampton's Tiny Laster Invitational against Towson at 3 p.m. in Holland Hall.
