NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. -- The Merrimack College women's volleyball program has added a quality quartet to the mix.Â
Warriors head coach Ken Nichols on Tuesday announced the signings of freshmen
Kaitlyn Oxceus,
Natalia Zelubowski and
Sienna Franks as well as junior transfer
Maiella Blandin. The group rounds out a 19-player roster and joins four other newcomers, who were
announced in December.
"We have another remarkable group," Nichols said. "These particular athletes are all strong and impactful talents who will elevate this program immediately. They have a clear understanding of what they want to accomplish and will make this roster the deepest I have coached."
Kaitlyn Oxceus
Height: 5-foot-11
Position:Â Outside hitter/Middle
Hometown: Deerfield Beach, Fla.
"Kaitlyn is a powerful attacker with experience hitting on the left, in the middle and on the right," Nichols said. "She sees the block exceptionally well and can hit over it, off it, and through it to score with ease. Boomers volleyball club has developed Kaitlyn into a potent and versatile hitter and blocker, and I am certain she will be difficult for opponents to slow down."
Natalia Zelubowski
Height: 5-foot-10
Position: Outside hitter
Hometown: Malvern, Penn.Â
"Natalia has a very balanced and well-rounded game relative to this stage of her career," Nichols said of the freshman. "She is a crafty attacker with a great wrist and power on demand. Natalia reads well on both defense and receive, and can make big plays in the back row. Her time with VEVA (Vanguard Elite Volleyball Academy) has made her more than ready for what's next."
Sienna Franks
Height: 5-foot-9
Position: Defensive specialist/Libero
Hometown: Lucas, Texas
"Sienna is a strong and mature defensive player who is capable of hitting out of the back and, if needed, up front as well," Nichols said. "She reads servers with ease and can pass with her hands and platform equally well. Sienna seems to always end up where the ball is headed and that 6th sense on defense will serve her well. Skyline Juniors has sent us a good one."
Maiella Blandin
Height: 6-foot-3
Position: Right-side hitter
Hometown: Farmington, Conn. / Tulane University
"Maiella is a rare athlete in that she offers commanding size at the net, and yet moves more like a pin than a middle." Nichols said. "She has quick and sneaky power, sees the open court extremely well and is a pure killer off of one leg. Maiella worked with great coaches at Northeast Volleyball Club out of Connecticut and has developed even more strength and ability since."
