July 15, 2009

IRVINE, Calif. --- The women's volleyball program's 2009 incoming class has been ranked 24th in the nation by PrepVolleyball.com.

Seven freshmen and two transfers join first-year head coach Paula Weishoff's volleyball program this fall.

"I am excited about this season's incoming class," said Weishoff. "We feel that these student-athletes have the ability to make an immediate impact this fall and will help to solidify our core group of returnees."

Marissa Alvarez, a 5-9 setter, is a three-time All-West Bay Athletic League selection. Alvarez, a member of Vision Volleyball Club, was named the league's Most Valuable Player in 2008.

Caroline Baghdikian, a 6-1 middle blocker, was tabbed an All-Sierra League honorable mention choice and helped her team go undefeated in the Yerington Volleyball Tournament this past season.

Justyn Bonomi, a 5-4 libero, earned Most Valuable Player accolades and was named the Del Rey League Defensive Player of the Year after helping Saint Joseph High School advance to the CIF semi-finals. Bonomi is a member of the Goldenwest Volleyball Club.

Courtney Moeller, a 6-1 outside hitter, is capable of playing on either the left or the right and was selected to the 2008 Orange County North All-Star Team. Also a Goldenwest Volleyball Club member, Moeller was tabbed a first-team All-Century League honoree as a senior.

Taylor Smith, a 6-0 opposite, has been touted as a talented lefty by PrepVolleyball.com, and was voted to the 2008-09 Under Armour All-America first team. A member of Vision Volleyball Club, Smith was an All-CIF Tournament selection in 2008.

Sarah Wilder was a 2008 Baseline League first-team honoree after helping the squad capture the league title. The 5-3 defensive specialist holds the school record for single-season digs with 465 and is second in career digs with 725. Wilder is a member of the Rancho Valley Volleyball Club.

Kristen Winkler earned two All-West Catholic Athletic League honors as a libero. The 5-10 freshman paced the league with a 4.7 dig-per-game average and earned a spot on the Palo Alto Daily first-team.

Juliane Piggott, the first of two transfers, is a 6-2 outside hitter and spent the last two seasons at UCLA. Piggott averaged 1.98 kills per set while totaling 35 blocks.

Lauren Allen, a transfer from Concordia University (Irvine), totaled 206 assists and 20 aces last season. The 5-0 setter also picked up 47 digs to help the Eagles to a 31-6 record.

Marissa Alvarez...Fr...5-9....Setter...Redwood City, CA/Sacred Heart Prep
Caroline Baghdikian...Fr...6-1...Middle blocker...South Lake Tahoe, CA/South Tahoe HS
Justyn Bonomi...Fr...5-4...Libero...Westminster, CA/St. Joseph HS
Courtney Moeller...Fr...6-1...Outside hitter...Anaheim, CA/Canyon HS
Taylor Smith...Fr...6-0...Opposite...Los Altos, CA/Archbishop Mitty
Sarah Wilder...Fr...5-3...Defensive Specialist/Libero...Upland, CA/Rancho Valley HS
Kristen Winkler...Fr...5-10...Defensive Specialist/Libero...Los Altos, CA/St. Francis HS
Lauren Allen...Jr...5-0...Setter...Redondo Beach, CA/Concordia University
Juliane Piggott...Jr...6-2...Outside hitter/Opposite...Newport Beach, CA/UCLA