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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Joplin, Mo. -- Missouri Southern volleyball coach Chris Willis has announced the signing of Ali Boehler and Daphne Merrick to national letters of intent to attend Southern and participate in volleyball beginning in the fall of 2009. Boehler (pronounced Bowler) is a 5'10 utility player that has played mostly outside hitter and setter in high school, but will make the transition to libero at Southern. She is a native of Olathe, Kansas where she played at Olathe East High School for coach Brian Martin. A three-year starter, Boehler was a three time first team All-Sunflower League selection. She helped lead her team to the 6A Kansas Sub State title and a fourth place finish at the State Tournament in 2007 where she was named to the All-Tournament team and an honorable mention All-State selection. Boehler holds the Olathe East school records for serving percentage in a season (.971). She is also fourth in single season aces (57), as well as third in career kills (748), fourth in career aces (127) and fourth in career digs (595). She is the sister of Truman State senior libero Whitney Boehler. The elder Boehler was a second-team All-MIAA selection, as well as an honorable mention All-South Central Region selection and has helped Truman to the NCAA round of eight in volleyball this season. Ali (Boehler) is the daughter of Mike and Jana Boehler and plans on majoring in Biology at Southern. "Ali has played just about every position on the court during her high school and club career," Willis said. "Her versatility will serve her well as she trains in the libero position next fall. She has great platform control and the court awareness of a veteran player." Merrick is a 5'10 setter from Willard, Mo. where she prepped at Willard High School. A three year starter, Merrick played for coach Jamalee Hancock where she was a first team All-Conference, All-District and All-Region selection her senior year after being an honorable mention All-Region and second team All-District selection her junior season. Also an athlete in track and basketball at Willard, Merrick holds the school record in the high jump. The daughter of David and Lana Merrick, Daphne plans on majoring in radiology at Southern. "Daphne is a tremendous athlete who will give us depth at the setter position," Willis said. "She has great hands and leadership ability that give us confidence that she'll fit into our offensive system right away. I have no doubt she'll make us better on and off the court. "We couldn't be more excited about Daphne and Ali. We look forward to seeing both of them make our program better during the next four years" |