TicketsNov. 21, 2012
CINCINNATI - University of Cincinnati head volleyball coach Molly Alvey has announced a pair of signees for the 2013 class. Breanna Barksdale and Mallory Blauser have both signed letters of intent to play for the Bearcats beginning in the fall of 2013.
Barksdale is a 6'1" middle blocker from Chula Vista, Calif. While attending Eastlake High School, she was a three-year letterwinner and a two-year All-League performer. Barksdale was named to the All-League Second Team in 2011 and topped that with an All-League First Team selection in 2012, while finishing her senior season with 3.6 kills per set and 2.1 blocks per set. She played club volleyball with the Coast Volleyball Club where her team finished fifth at the USAV Junior Olympics in 2011. She was also a two-year track and field participant in the high hump and long jump.
"Bre is a very talented athlete" said Alvey. "She is somewhat new to the game but has excelled at the physical aspect of competing in volleyball. It has been so fun and quite engaging to watch Bre grow and develop as a player. She is competing at the highest level with her club team this spring and summer. We are so looking forward to getting her here to UC with us. Her personality is very caring and endearing and she is a phenomenal teammate. We are excited to get her positive energy in our program."
Barksdale is the daughter of Derek and Susan Barksdale and has three siblings, D'Angelo (20), Arianna (11) and Xavier (8). De'Angelo is a football player at the University of San Diego while her grandfather, Don Barksdale, was an All-American basketball player at UCLA and a 1942 Olympic gold medalist.
Blauser, a 6'1" outside hitter from Round Rock, Texas, was a four-year letterwinner in both volleyball and basketball at Round Rock Christian Academy. She is a three-time All-State performer, including First Team All-State nods in 2011 and 2012. In 2012 she was named to the state tournament All-Tournament team after leading the Crusaders to the state volleyball championship title and was the MVP of the district. She also was named one of the Top-10 Athletes to Watch in Central Texas for both basketball and volleyball and has been named the District MVP in both sports. Blauser also finished third in the state in the 100-meter hurdles competition in 2011.
"Mallory is such a great competitor" said Alvey. "She is the leader on all of her teams: volleyball, basketball, high school and club. Her positive yet strong demeanor on the court adds stability to her team and instills confidence in her teammates. Mallory is another very physical player with a heavy arm-swing. I cannot wait to get her competitiveness and skill in our gym. She will make an immediate impact in our gym."
Blauser is the daughter of Jeff and Becky Blauser and has two siblings, Andy (23) and Kelsey (20). Kelsey plays volleyball at Pfeiffer University.
The Bearcats will close out the 2012 season with a match at Miami (Ohio) on Sat., Nov. 24 at 4 p.m.
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