FROM STAFF REPORTS

The University of Montevallo volleyball team and head coach Katie O’Brien announced the addition of two recruits to the 2011 class Aug. 17.

Katie Best, a former Spain Park High School standout, and Michelle Walker joined the Falcons in preseason practice. All seven will join the returning seven players from last year’s squad in the Falcons quest for a second-straight NCAA Southeast Region Tournament appearance.

Best is a middle/right-side hitter from Hoover who will be entering the 2011 season as a freshman. Best was a four-year starter at Spain Park and played club volleyball at Birmingham Volleyball Club. As a sophomore, Best helped lead the Spain Park team to an area championship as the starting middle hitter. Best received an honorable mention All-State nod following her senior season.

Walker is an outside/middle hitter from Houston, Texas, who will be entering the 2011 season as a freshman. Walker was a three-year starter on the Elkins High School volleyball team.

Walker was named first team All-District as a senior after being named second team All-District her sophomore and junior seasons. Walker helped lead her team to playoff appearances her sophomore and junior seasons. She played club volleyball for four years at Southwest Heat and played one year at Texas Alliance.

Walker and the rest of the Montevallo volleyball team will open up the season Sept. 2 at the Christian Brothers University Tournament. Montevallo will take on former conference rivals Christian Brothers, West Georgia, Ouachita Baptist and Henderson State during the tournament.