MCC signs two volleyball players from Colorado

Courtesy McCook Community College coach Gary Payne signed Cherokee Trail, Colo., volleyball player Ashley Cordova, front, to a letter of intent. Back row: Cherokee Trail volleyball coach Terry Miller, Shirlyna Olivas, Daniel Cordova, Payne.

McCook Community College volleyball coach Gary Payne signed two Colorado natives to letters of intent for the 2007 fall season.

Ashley Cordova, a 5-foot-2 defensive specialist/libero from Cherokee Trail High School in Aurora; and Alicia Vandenbark, a 5-10 outside hitter/middle blocker/right side hitter from Fleming High School in Fleming.

Payne said he watched Cordova play at a tryout in Denver back in November and thought that she was the best defensive player at the tryout.

Courtesy MCC signed Fleming, Colo., volleyball player Alicia Vandenbark to a letter of intent. Front row: Fleming volleyball coach Derek Herbert, Vandenbark, Payne. Back row: Renee Cheramy, Austin Vandenbark.

"She (Cordova) really has a great platform for passing, reads the hitters very well, and is very quick," Payne said.

"I think that she will complement Kelsey Kathman in the back row and make it really tough for a ball to get passed them.

"Ashley played at Cherokee Trail High School, who this year won the conference title and made it to a very tough 4A regional tournament.

"I believe she will step in right away and make a huge impact on this team next year."

Cordova was named honorable mention all-conference as a junior and a senior.

She is undecided on a major.

Vandenbark is coming to McCook as a hitter.

"I don't know as of yet where she will be playing but could play anywhere across the front row," Payne said.

"She has played in all three positions in high school, so that could really help if we need to move her around to different positions.

"She is coming from a school who is a up and coming team in the 1A ranks in Colorado.

"This past season she was part of a team that played very well throughout the year and ended dropping a five-game match in the state finals.

"Alicia has a lot of power and should compete for some playing time right away.

"I would like her to play on the outside for us, but that is going to be a very competitive position next year, which I like.

"The more competitive the practices are the better this team will get throughout the year, and I believe she has the drive and the dedication to help make this team better."

Vandenbark made the all-conference team as well as honorable mention all-state this past season.

She will major in art at MCC.