Grand Valley State University volleyball head coach Deanne Scanlon announced the signing of seven student-athletes to attend and play volleyball for the Lakers. Lindsey Bayle (Fruitport, Mich.), Katey Crichton (Howell, Mich.), Kelly Hogan (Grand Haven, Mich.), Maria Mazzocco (Royal Oak, Mich./Shrine Catholic), Meghan Moore (Alma, Mich.), Lauren Reber (Flint, Mich./Carman-Ainsworth), and Megan Walling (Muskegon, Mich./Mona Shores) will all join GVSU's volleyball team in the 2005 and 2006 seasons.

Bayle, a 5-6 outside hitter, led Fruitport to a Class B State Championship in 2005. Lindsey earned first team all-state her senior year, and third team all-state as a junior. "Lindsey is a tough-nosed competitor that hates to lose," said head coach Deanne Scanlon. "She has an excellent jump serve, and even though she is not very big she knows how to unload on a ball in the front row."

Crichton, a 5-11 outside hitter, played four years at Howell High School. Katey earned second team all-conference and second team all-county honors as a sophomore and junior. In her senior year, Katey was named county player of the year, first team all-conference, and first team all-region. In addition, she earned Lansing State Journal First Team and all state honorable mention plaudits. She was also named team MVP as a senior. "Katey is a very physical athlete. She needs more experience, but will be a great outside hitter," said Scanlon.

Hogan, a 5-7 setter, played two years for the Buccaneers who placed at the top of the conference and were district champions during her career. Kelly was a Miss Volleyball candidate her senior season in addition to earing first team all-state and Muskegon Chronicle All-Area plaudits. She earned second team all-state and all-region, first team all-conference, Muskegon Chronicle All-Area, and team MVP honors as a junior. "Kelly will compete for the starting setting position," said Scanlon. "She is an intense competitor and people respond to her leadership well."

Mazzocco, a 6-1 middle blocker, has played basketball and volleyball for three years at Shrine Catholic High School. The Knights claimed the Catholic League Class D-C and Class C Regional Championships her freshman and sophomore seasons and made it to the Class C State Final Four her junior year. As a sophomore, she was named to the Catholic League First Team, Michigan High School Coaches Association All-Region and All-State Second Team, and the Daily Tribune Player of the Year. Following her junior season, Maria earned Catholic League First Team, Daily Tribune Player of the Year, Oakland Press All-County First Team, Detroit News All-Metro Team, and Michigan High School Coaches Association All-Region, and All-State First Team honors. Maria was also a finalist for the Miss Volleyball award. Scanlon said, "Maria will be a competitor in the middle because she has a good work ethic and knows how to win. She also has a strong academic background and her knowledge of the game will help her as well."

Moore, a 5-11 middle blocker, played for the Chippewas at Central Michigan for two years. As a freshman she was named MAC Freshman of the Year, and also earned Second Team All-MAC honors. Meghan led the Chippewas in blocks and aces in 2003 and 2004, and ranked second in kills per game and attack percentage. Moore was prepped at Alma High School where she was named Player of the Year by the Lansing State Journal, Sagniaw News, and the Morning Sun. She also earned first team all-state as a senior, and second team all-state as a junior. "Meghan will be an immediate starter and will definitly be an impact player for us this season," said Scanlon. "She is a great athlete with two years of Division I experience."

Reber, a 6-0 outside hitter, played four years for the Carmen-Ainsworth Caveliers. As a senior, Lauren led the team to a 36-12-1 record, en route to earning third team all-state, first team all-region, first team all-conference, and team MVP honors. She earned fisrt team all-region plaudits every year of her prep campaign in addition to being named first team all-conference as a junior and sophomore. "Lauren will be kind of a sleeper for us. She tore her ACL during her junior year, but has recovered 100% and will give us depth on the outside. She has a great arm swing and will be a threat in the front row," Scanlon said.

Walling, a 5-8 setter, was also a candidate for the Miss Volleyball Award. Meghan has earned all-area, all-conference, all-region, and third team all-state honors in her career at Mona Shores High School. She was also named The Muskegon Chronicle Athlete of the Week. "Meghan will give us depth at the setter position," said Scanlon. "She is left handed which is an extra offensive threat."