ST. JOSEPH – Missouri Western head volleyball coach Marian Carbin has announced the addition of three student-athletes for the 2016 season.
Stephanie Doak, Erin Erb and Lauren Murphy have signed national letters of intent to play volleyball at Missouri Western. The three spring signees bring the total to four necomers for the 2016 season. Tiana Butler signed her letter of intent in November.
“This class is so dynamic. We are excited about the versatility of the hitters in this class and the high level of club volleyball experience that each of them brings to the table,” Carbin said. “They have played for some of the most elite club programs across the country; from Sports Performance and Sky High in Chicago, to Triangle and Wave in North Carolina and California respectively.”
“They have definitely played against the best of the best, which makes them more than prepared for what they will see on a nightly basis in our league and in our region. We are very eager to see what the future holds for these four young ladies now that they are officially members of the Griffon Volleyball family.”
Doak will come to Missouri Western from Encinitas, California. The 6-1 right side hitter played at Audeo Charter High School.
“Stephanie is a tall, physical player on the right side who can also take swings from the middle or outside if necessary,” Carbin said. “She says her favorite part of the game is blocking the other team’s best outside hitters and we are excited to watch her do just that for the next four years.”
Erb comes to MWSU from Huntley, Illinois, where she played at Huntley High School. The 6-0 outside hitter totaled 825 kills, 182 blocks, 317 digs and 147 service aces.
“Erin is a strong, powerful outside hitter from the Chicago area,” Carbin said. “She hits a very heavy ball from the outside, and she’s a strong force as a blocker.”
Murphy also comes to Missouri Western from Illinois. The 5-9 setter prepped at Plainfield North High School in Plainfield.
“Lauren is a well-trained setter with a smooth style of play that makes the game look easy,” Carbin said. “She is a technically sound player and has an advanced understanding of offenses and how to bring out the best in her hitters.”
The 2015 team went 21-10 overall and 12-6 in MIAA play. Carbin has led a resurgence, winning more than 20 matches the last two seasons and going a combined 59-33 in her first three seasons as the head coach at her alma mater. The Griffons will begin the 2016 season on Sept. 2 at the Washburn Invitational in Topeka, Kansas. Missouri Western will play University of Mary, Drury, Quincy and Midwestern State that weekend.
— MWSU Athletics —