GCU adds outside hitters during early period

Coming off its most successful season in 10 years, Grand Canyon University has added three local standouts to the women's volleyball program during the NCAA early signing period.

GCU, which finished the 2009 season on a nine-game winning streak and had a 21-8 overall record, signed outside hitters Kaitlynn Ausmus (Glendale, Ariz./Deer Valley) and Carly Edington (pictured right, Peoria, Ariz./Centennial) and accepted a financial aid agreement from Northern Arizona University transfer Sara Bowden (pictured lower left, Tempe, Ariz./Corona del Sol).

Bowden, who is eligible to join the team during spring workouts, will have three years of eligibility remaining.

Ausmus played on a 5A-II state runner-up team in 2008. She was an honorable mention all-state selection and first-team all-region choice. The 5-10 standout is her school's record-holder for kills and kill efficiency.

As a senior, she had 447 kills (3.9 per game) and 417 digs (3.6). She had a .477 attack percentage and .324 kill percentage. She was her team's MVP this season and was its most outstanding offensive player as a junior. She finished the season No. 11 in the state in hitting percentage and No. 12 in kills. She was also selected the MVP of the Highland Tournament.

Edington is the younger sister of Dana Edington, who finished her career at GCU this season as its No. 4 all-time hitter with 1,032 kills.

Carly's Centennial team beat Ausmus' Deer Valley club for the 2008 5A-II state title. Edington was also part of a state runner-up team as a sophomore and a state semifinalist this past season. The 5-10 Edington will play on the outside and middle. She had 93 kills and 34 blocks this past season and was voted the team's most improved player. She was also a first-team all-region choice.

"It's great to sign two top-notch kids from two great programs early and knowing what we have coming back," said GCU coach Kris Naber. "They'll add depth to our program and the outside position."

The 6-foot Bowden played one season at NAU as a defensive specialist/libero. She'll be an outside hitter at GCU. While with the Division I program, Bowden got five starts and was selected to the Big Sky All-Academic team. She had 50 digs for the Lumberjacks with a season-high nine against Portland State.

While at Corona del Sol, Bowden was a 5A-I all-stater and team MVP. She led her team in kills as a senior with 487 and hit .329. She also had 55 aces and 301 digs.

"We tried to get her out of high school," said Naber, "and we're excited she's going to join us this spring."

Grand Canyon University Athletics

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