Lady Blues sign two new recruits

April 12, 2001

Marissa Braness, a 6-0 middle/outside hitter from Fresno, California; Katie Brandt, a 6-1 true freshman outside/middle hitter from Chicago have both signed with the Lady Blues.

“I’m excited,” Jones said. “These are some of the best recruits we’ve ever had.”

Braness, a junior transfer from Fresno City College in led her team to a first place finish last year with a perfect 14-0 in conference play and a 16-5 mark overall. Her 1.69 blocks per game ranked her in the top 25 in the Community College League of California. She was also captain both seasons and a member of the Dean’s List. At Clovis High School, Braness was a three-sport athlete in volleyball, basketball and track.

“Marissa will give us some depth at the middle and outside hitter spots,” Jones said. “With her experience, we will look for good things from her right from the start.”

Brandt will also add depth at the outside hitter spot. Brandt was a three-year starter on varsity and was a member of the all-conference team each season. Her junior and senior seasons she was also selected as all-area and all-region. She capped her prep career by playing in the Pepsi Cola/Adidas Illinois Girls High School all-star tournament. She was also an honor student with a 4.5 GPA on a 5-point scale.

“Katie is an athletic, all-around player,” Jones said. “She is fundamentally sound, solid defensively, and a strong hitter. Her enthusiam and skills on the court will make her an impact player even as a true freshman.”

Overall, Jones is thrilled with the recruiting this season.

“This has been an incredible recruiting year for us,” Jones said. “The thing that’s different with this year’s class is these girls have heighth, but they have good vertical ability as well. If we can add one more impact player, that would be the icing on the cake.”

The Lady Blues have one more student-athlete that is expected to sign her letter of intent next week.