GCU Volleyball Signs Four During Early Period

Grand Canyon women's volleyball coach Kris Naber announced the addition of four

players for the 2014 season during the early signing period (Nov. 13-20).

All four players are 6-1 or taller, including two Arizona products, Natalie Tardy, a 6-2 outside hitter from Scottsdale Horizon High School, and Randi Powers, a 6-1 outside hitter from Flagstaff High.

The Antelopes will also added 6-2 middle blocker/right side hitter Gracie Dimond from Crean Lutheran High School in Orange County, Calif., and 6-2 middle blocker Hannah Hicks from Jackson High School in Seattle, Wash.

"We are extremely excited to be adding these four young ladies to our 2014-15 roster," said Naber. "They all display the qualities both on the court and in the classroom that we are looking for to building our program and raise our level of play."

Tardy comes from a traditionally strong program, ranked nationally the last two seasons by MaxPreps. This past season, she had 196 kills, 163 digs, 38 blocks and 49 service aces.

"She comes from a great high school and club programs with winning traditions," said Naber. "She can make an impact on either pin."

Powers has been a part of back-to-back state champions and was a teammate to current GCU freshman setter Bree Davis for Flagstaff's 42-0 title team in 2012. During her junior season, Powers was selected AIA Division III First Team All-State and AIA First Team All-Divisions All-State. She is a career .259 hitter with 569 kills, 692 digs, 96 blocks and 101 service aces. She was a second team all-state choice as a sophomore.

"We're looking for her to step in as a six-rotation player," said Naber. "She was an integral part of those state championship teams and has the strong mentality we're looking for."

Dimond had 135 kills, 108 digs, 20 blocks and 24 block assists for Crean Lutheran.

"She brings power and strength to our offense's front row," said Naber. "We look for her to be a contributor."

A captain on her high school team, Hicks was a second-team Class 4A All-Wesco Conference.

"She is going to provide quickness and athleticism in the middle," said Naber.

The Antelopes wrap up the 2013 season this week with home games Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Thursday's match is at GCU Arena against Idaho, the 'Lopes finally Western Athletic Conference match of the season. It will be televised live locally on Cox7. Friday and Saturday's matches, against Abilene Christian and Incarnate Word, respectively, will be played at 7 p.m. at Antelope Gymnasium.

Grand Canyon University Athletics

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