TicketsNov. 28, 2007
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CINCINNATI---Local star Missy Harpenau and Minnesota product Kelsey Brandl have signed on to become the newest members of the University of Cincinnati volleyball program, inking National Letters of Intent to join the Bearcats in 2008. The talented duo will join the fold with a UC program that finished 19-12 this season.
"Both of these players will add more size and skill to our team," UC head coach Reed Sunahara said. "We are excited to get both of these outstanding players and we expect them both to make an immediate impact."
Harpenau, a 6-0 outside hitter, has been a star at Mother of Mercy High in Cincinnati. This year she led the Bobcats to a state championship, toppling conference foe Mount Notre Dame in the finals. Harpenau finished the five-game championship match with 27 kills. Harpenau's play this year earned her first team All-Ohio honors and the Girls Greater Cincinnati League Scarlet Division Player of the Year award, along with a spot on the all-conference first team. As a junior, Harpenau was also a first team All-GGCL pick and was slotted on the all-state second team. On the club level, she competed for Team Z in 2007, leading the team to a national championship of the Junior Olympics, where she was named tournament MVP. Her coach for Team Z in 2007 was Sunahara.
"Missy is a good passer and defensive player and will add another arm to our offense," Sunahara said. "She can pass the whole court. I would compare her to Maria Pongonis who started for three years for us not long ago."
Brandl, a 6-4 middle blocker, hails from Lakeville, Minnesota where she has been a four-year starter at Lakeville North High School. A three-time all-state selection, Brandl was also tabbed the Tribune Metro Player of the Year in 2007. Prepvolleyball.com has ranked Brandl during each year of her career, including a listing of No. 25 among its Senior Aces this year. Lakeville North achieved great success during Brandl's career, finishing in the top-three in the state of Minnesota each year and winning a conference championship this fall. Brandl has also been active with the USA Junior National Team and helped her club squad to a third place finish on the national level.
"Kelsey played on junior national team and has a lot of experience," Sunahara said. "She is a physical presence at 6-4 and she has a good arm and is a solid blocker. We are looking for her to add to the foundation we have returning next season."
Harpenau and Brandl will join an already talented squad for next year that will return three-time first team All-BIG EAST selection Jessie Nevitt at middle blocker and 2007 BIG EAST Freshman of the Year Stephanie Niemer at outside hitter.