Volleyball Signs Three for 2008

Nov. 15, 2007

NORMAN, Okla. - Oklahoma head volleyball coach Santiago Restrepo announced the signing of three players to National Letters of Intent on Thursday, the second day of the early signing period. Setter Brianne Barker (Amarillo, Texas), right-side hitter Suzy Boulavsky (Houston, Texas) and outside hitter Caitlin Higgins (Amarillo, Texas) will be joining the Sooners in the fall of 2008.

"This is an extremely important class in the aspect that it will continue the standard of excellence that we are establishing with our program," Restrepo said. "These three impressive athletes are going to make their mark on our program and we are excited they have chosen to wear the Crimson and Cream."

2008 Signing Class Bios

Barker is arguably one of Restrepo's top recruits he has brought into the Oklahoma program during his four seasons with the Sooners. The 5-9 setter was named PrepVolleyball.com's National Junior of the Year in 2006 and led the most successful volleyball program in Texas 5A history, Amarillo High School, to a state title and 45-1 record in 2006. The Texas 2006 Gatorade Player of the Year is ranked No. 29 on PrepVolleyball.com's top 100 seniors list and is currently leading Amarillo High School to another run through the state playoffs this weekend while averaging 9.63 assists per game during her senior campaign.

"Brianne plays with such intensity and tenacity and brings such quality leadership," Restrepo said. "She has incredible athletic ability and plays her game at the highest level, making everybody around her better. I believe she has all the tools to lead this team to championships."

Boulavsky brings a new dimension that the Sooners haven't had in Restrepo's tenure at Oklahoma. The right-side 6-1 hitter is a lefty that will cause problems for opponents. The Houston native was named one of the top 100 seniors in the nation by PrepVolleyball.com and is currently leading Clear Brook High School to the state playoffs. The three-time first team all-district selection was the No.1 ranked player in Houston for three weeks this season and plays club ball for the AVA 18 Asics.

"We are adding a great weapon in Suzy," Restrepo said. "Her ability to hit with the left hand in the right side position really puts her at a great advantage. This is something that we have never had at Oklahoma and I'm really looking forward to adding her to our offense."

Higgins, a 6-0 outside hitter, also hails from the state of Texas where she joined fellow signee Barker on the same club team, Amarillo Elite. Together the duo led their club squad to 19 top-10 finishes in three years with the Elite. The All-State selection was also named to the Amarillo Globe's Super Team first team and was honored as the district 5A Offensive Player of the Year as a junior at Tascosa High School.

"Caitlin reminds me of former OU All-American Joanna Schmitt," Restrepo said. "She puts a lot of heat on the ball and hits it extremely hard. In addition, she is very athletic and jumps really well. Caitlin will be a great addition because she has such great court savvy."

The Sooners, who are ranked in the top 25 for the second straight year, will lose five seniors this year. Julie Chester, Marian Blum, Hannah Sharp, Anna Stadel and Sarah Weiland will finish their OU playing career this fall.

The 2007 version of the Sooners are ranked No. 22 in the country and own a 20-7 mark and 12-5 record in Big 12 play. Oklahoma is currently in a battle with Kansas State for third place in the Big 12 standings.

After topping Baylor on Wednesday night, the Sooners only have three regular season matches remaining. OU will host its final home match on Senior Night next Wednesday at 7 p.m.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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