June 2, 2010

SEASIDE, Calif. – Cal State Monterey Bay women's volleyball coach #Jody Garry# has announced the addition of four student-athletes to the 2010 roster. Local Salinas High standout Lacee Ventura,  Molly Kennedy of Bishop O'Dowd High School, Zoey Gamble of Del Mar High School and Lily Staight of Rancho Buena Vista High School will suit up in an Otter uniform next year.

Lacee Ventura, a 5-10 right side hitter, is coming off a tremendous 2009 season where she led her team to a CCS title and CIF Division I runner-up finish.  She was named Tri-County All-League first team and Monterey Herald All-County honorable mention her senior year. This past spring, Ventura played for the Carmel Beach Volleyball Club under

"Lacee is a great addition to our team,” Garry said. “She is a fierce competitor, explosive and aggressive at the net. She brings that 'give it to me' mentality which is always something we look for. She trained at a high level in club and was exposed to several aspects of our training style. I look forward to watching her grow as an all around player."

Molly Kennedy, a 5-8 libero from Oakland, Calif., served six straight points in leading the Dragons to claim a third consecutive NCS championship.  She was a four-time Scholar Athlete at Bishop O'Dowd. Kennedy is a member of the Xceleration 18-Blue team.

"Molly has a rich volleyball background and brings a high level of playing experience to our team,” Garry said. “She has a great touch on the ball, and I was impressed with her on court composure and ability to read as a passer and defender. She blew us away at camp last year and we knew she was the right fit for our team."

"I had an opportunity to participate in a volleyball camp at CSUMB last summer and fell in love with the campus, the coaches and the team,” Kennedy said. “CSUMB has a very competitive volleyball program and plays in a very competitive league.  This will push me to work hard with my teammates and grow to be better volleyball player. Monterey is a beautiful town with wonderful people, and I look forward to being part of such a great community.”

Zoey Gamble, a four-year letterwinner at Del Mar High School, is a 5-10 outside hitter. She was a four-time All-BVAL first team selection and was selected team MVP three times. Gamble racked up 120 kills and 118 digs during her senior campaign.  Gamble is playing for the ALCIS Volleyball Club 18-Power team.

"Zoey is the last of the three recruits we were impressed with at camp last year and is a great all around player,” Garry said. “I was impressed with her ability to read on defense and control of the ball at the net. She has a bright future at CSUMB and I look forward to working with her transform herself to a great outside hitter."

Lily Staight, a 6-0 middle blocker from Rancho Buena Vista High School, was a Palomar All-League first team selection.  Her team voted her Most Spirited her junior year.  Staight plans to major in Environmental Science at CSUMB.

"Lily is another athlete who came to camp last year and left a great impression,” Garry said. “She has what I call the 'lily factor'. Her positive and aggressive play empowers her teammates and can drive a team to be successful. She also trains at a very high level and knows how to bring a competitive edge to everything she does."