Third-year head coach Heather Dunn added the first wave of recruits to her roster for the 2009 season.
Corban's Dunn Announces First Wave of Recruits for 2009 Season
SALEM, Ore. – Third-year head coach Heather Dunn announced earlier today the first three signings for the 2009 season, as the senior trio includes Jenny Harman (Salem, Ore.) from nearby Sprague High School, McKenzie Purnell (Adrian, Ore.) from Adrian High School, and Morgan Hirzel (Fullerton, Calif.) of Orange Lutheran High School.
"We are excited to add these players to our roster, as they all bring height to our (team)," commented Dunn. "We have a great group of defensive player returning so this group will help to compliment what we already have."
Harman, a 6-foot middle blocker, played four years of volleyball for the Olympians as well as lettering two seasons in both softball and track & field. Following the conclusion of her senior season, Harman was named 2nd team All-Central Valley Conference en route to helping lead Sprague to a No. 6-ranking in the 6A coaches' poll as well as a spot in the second round of the OSAA state tournament.
"Jenny is a versatile player with good net movement and a positive attitude," commented Dunn. "Having Jenny at Corban will add to some more great net play."
Purnell, a 6-foot setter and middle blocker, played two seasons at Adrian High School where she registered 165 kills, 81 assists, and 29 blocks as a senior. Purnell helped lead Antelopes to the second round of the 2008 1A state tournament, while being named 1st team all-league following both her junior and senior seasons. Purnell brought home awards following her all four years of high school volleyball, including being named a three-time all-district tournament 1st team member.
"Mckenzie is a young player in experience, but shows great talent and potential as a hitter or setter," said Dunn.
Hirzel, a 6-foot-2 middle blocker, played three years of volleyball at Orange Lutheran High School in Southern California as well as lettering one year in basketball. Hirzel helped lead the Lancers to a share of the Trinity League championships, while helping lead Orange Lutheran to a win-loss record fo 24-1 that included a spot in the quarterfinals of the Division 1AA CIF Girls' Volleyball Championships.
"(Morgan) is a hard worker and I will look forward to having her height and power on the team," commented Dunn.
The trio will join six returnees from last season's roster that is coming off its best season since 2004, as Corban finished 12-14 overall and 10-10 in Cascade Collegiate Conference play. Dunn helped guide the Warriors to their first playoff appearance since the '04 season, as Corban secured the sixth seed in the conference post-season tournament.
Corban is slated to begin the 2009 season in Southern California, as part of the annual Azusa Pacific University Classic scheduled for mid-August.