June 3, 2005

ABILENE, Texas - Hardin-Simmons' head volleyball coach Hugh Hernesman has announced his 2005 recruiting class that includes seven high school seniors and a junior college transfer.

"We were looking to improve our ball control and address our setting situation and we were able to do both of those," said Hernesman. "Several of these girls have the opportunity to step in and see significant playing time as freshmen. We are excited about the ability of this class. They can get it done defensively and that is what we are building this program around."

Hardin-Simmons is a member of the Division III American Southwest Conference and went 9-17 last season in the first season under Hernesman. The Cowgirls return 2004 ASC West Freshman of the year Chelsea Buetow and two-year starter Virginia Aguilar along with five other lettermen.

The following is the commitment list and a quote from coach Hernesman.

Amanda Keithley, 5-8, S, Double Oak (Flower Mound Marcus)

Amanda has a great amount of experience at a high level in both high school and club ball. We expect her to compete for our setting spot right away as a freshman.

"We were looking to improve our ball control and address our setting situation and we were able to do both of those. Several of these girls have the opportunity to step in and see significant playing time as freshmen. We are excited about the ability of this class. They can get it done defensively and that is what we are building this program around." Hugh Hernesman

Amber Montgomery, 5-9, Opp., Amarillo (Randall)

Lefty that is a great athlete who will have every opportunity to see playing time as a freshman. She is a big explosive jumper with a strong, natural arm swing. Has good ball control.

Hannah Toole, 5-10, MB/OH, Whitehouse

Great competitor and great athlete. She is versatile and can play the middle and outside.

Krystal Ziehe, 5-8, OH, L, S, Jersey Village

Krystal is probably the most versatile. She will get a shot on the outside, will also see time as a defensive specialist or libero and we are also going to train her at setter. She comes from a good club and we like here talent and experience, we just have to see where she fits.

Holly Amerena, 5-6, S, Navarro JC

Holly brings some maturity and experience to the setting position. She played at a good junior college. Hopefully she brings some needed leadership for our young team.

Jennifer Childers, 5-9, OH, Rockwall

Jen has great ball control and potential. She will benefit a lot from our strength program and has a chance to be a great one with some added strength.

Ashley Emond, 5-11, MB, Aledo

Emond is the most physical of the kids we are bringing in. She will have an opportunity to play right away in the middle, she is good on the quick attack and should be a force in the middle.

Taylor McFarland, 5-8, OH, Katy

Taylor has a powerful arm, jumps very well, and has a good work ethic. She played for a strong club and has a good winning attitude and may be the most ready of all our kids in terms of her experience in a solid strength program, which will help her tremendously.