The Lion volleyball team received a welcome off-season boost this semester with the arrival of Kentucky Wesleyan transfer Summer Alford, who becomes the squad's brand new outside hitter.
Alford was a team captain last year for the Kentucky Wesleyan Panthers, a team that went 16-13 overall and finished fourth in the Great Midwest Conference. Alford was a force on offense, leading the Panthers in kills per set (3.02) while also shoring things up on the defensive end with 1.99 digs per set, the second highest mark on the team. She was twice acknowledged as the G-MAC First Team All-Conference Outside Hitter.
A native of Fort Worth, the junior outside hitter turned heads while playing for Richland Collegiate High School of Dallas, Texas. Alford was named the All-District Outside Hitter and to the Second Team All-State during her senior campaign. She was twice named Offensive Player of the Year.
"We are very excited to add Summer to our program," said head coach Craig Case, "We are only graduating one player from this past year's team, but she carried the largest portion of the load. We knew that we had to fill her shoes with someone who was ready to play and carry the same load Amy (Devault) did. We're confident that Summer will be able to provide not only those on-court things, but to also provide some leadership and maturity."
Coach Case will look to finalize the roster heading into this April's signing period. The 2015 Lion volleyball season is set to begin competition this September.