Vulcans volleyball adds three outside hitters

Tribune-Herald

University of Hawaii at Hilo volleyball coach Tino Reyes has added three outside hitters for the upcoming season, including a former all-Oahu Interscholastic Association player who Reyes thinks can fill some rather big shoes.

Joshell Lilio and Bria Morgan will both be freshman, and Abbey Wade joins the program as a junior.

“They add some size and versatility to our program,” Reyes said. “This improves our overall athleticism.”

Lilio, 6-foot graduate of Castle High (Oahu), was a 2011 USA High Performance gold medalist.

“Joshell is a big reason that the Aloha region won the 2011 High Performance,” said Reyes. “She has the ability to be the type of

player that Hillary Hurley was for us.”

Hurley, a two-time All-Pacific West Conference performer, figures to be the Vulcans’ hardest player to replace.

Wade, 5-11, started at Western Nebraska Junior College and was a club teammate of UHH sophomore Olivia Lane, while the 5-11 Morgan was all-conference in high school at Northern California.

The Vulcans open their season at home Aug. 30 against Augustana, followed by the Vulcan Classic on Aug. 31.

Ticket sales for the 13-match home schedule begin Wednesday, August 8.

For more information, call 974-7702.