Lady Blues ink three in early signing period

For immediate release - Nov. 21, 2003

Washburn volleyball head coach Chris Herron announced the addition of three new players that will join the Washburn volleyball team.

Erica Cowhick from Topeka’s Shawnee Heights, Mandi Cox from Central Heights High School and Ashley Ruzick from St. Thomas Aquinas all will join the Lady Blues as freshman next fall.

“We have a good group of girls with successful volleyball backgrounds in club and high school ball.,” said Herron. “Each of these kids will come in ready to compete for positions.”

PLAYER BREAKDOWN

Erica Cowhick (Topeka, Kan./Shawnee Heights High School) • 5-7 • Defensive Specialist — Cowhick was a Class 5A all-state selection for the T-Birds the last two seasons, helping the team to a runner-up finish in the state tournament in 2003. She also earned all-league and all-city honors each of the last two seasons. Cowhick also played pitcher and first base on the Shawnee Heights softball team, earning all-city and all-league honors in the spring of 2003.
Herron on Cowhick: “Erica has strong fundamentals and good quickness. We’re looking for her to challenge for the libero position.”

Mandi Cox (Richmond, Kan./Central Heights High School) • 6-0 • Middle Hitter — Cox was a three time all-area and all-league selection at Central Heights and earned Pomona All-Tournament honors this season. She also plays for the basketball squad, which she has earned all-area and all-league honors. She also place third in the state in the high jump for Central Heights’ track team.
Herron on Cox: “Mandi is a strong athletic kid that will develop into a good player for us. She has a lot of untapped potential and her best days are ahead of her.”

Ashley Ruzick (Lenexa, Kan./St. Thomas Aquinas High School) • 5-9 • Outside Hitter/Right Side — Ruzick was the team MVP for the Saints, earning All-Eastern Kansas League honors and All-Sun honorable mention honors. Helped Aquinas to three sub-state titles the last three seasons and a state title in 2001.
Herron on Ruzink: “Ashley is very dynamic offensively and possesses a very strong jump serve.”