KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. – Oregon Tech volleyball coach Alexis Garrison has announced the signing of six student-athletes to Cascade Conference Letters of Intent for the upcoming 2023 season.
The class includes three true freshmen and three junior college transfers, joining eight returning players from last season’s 15-13 squad.
“I am excited for our incoming players with our season just around the corner,” Garrison said. “The players have already bought into our new culture and bring a new dynamic to the program, which will help us keep growing as we mold and develop our team.”
Front row players Aleksen Thayer and Kennedy Kantola lead the group – Thayer a true freshman from Truckee High in California and Kantola heading to the Basin from Linn-Benton CC.
Thayer, a 6-foot middle blocker, won back-to-back Nevada 3A All-North Region honors – averaging 3.3 kills per set, adding 41 aces and 37 blocks as a senior. The Northern Nevada Juniors Volleyball Club player helped THS win the 2021 Nevada 3A state title.
Kantola, from Monmouth, was key to the Linn-Benton success – helping the 2022 squad win the Northwest Athletic Conference tournament title. The 5-foot-10 hitter combined to average 2.1 kills and 0.5 blocks per set over the last two seasons. While at Central High, Kantola was a 2-time All-Midwestern League pick.
The Lady Owls will add a setter to the line-up, as Aubrey Stennett makes the trek to OIT from Lake City High in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Stennett, a 5-10 freshman, was a 6-rotation player as a senior – as a setter and an opposite hitter – helping LCHS finish fourth in the Idaho 5A state championships.
Garrison will add three back-row players to the roster – freshman Summerlyn Spencer and transfers Autumn Williams and Eireen Madelo.
Spencer, a North Bay product out of Vanden High in Fairfield, Calif., earned All-Monticello Empire League honors as a senior, while also competing for the Five Stars Volleyball Club.
Williams and Madelo played high school volleyball together at Aiea High and with the Jammers Volleyball Club in Hawaii, while teaming again last season at Rogue CC in Grants Pass. Williams averaged 2.96 digs per set as a sophomore, while averaging 2.25 digs per set as a freshman at the College of Southern Nevada. Madelo played both front and back row spots at RCC – averaging 1.27 kills per set as a freshman.
“Our incoming players will be coming into preseason ready to push us, work hard and earn a spot on the court.”
The Lady Owls open the 2023 season at the Raiders Invitational in Ashland, Aug. 17-18, with the home opener set for Sept. 8 vs. Lewis-Clark State.