Volleyball Adds Two for 2009

Nov. 14, 2008

NORMAN, Okla. – University of Oklahoma head volleyball coach Santiago Restrepo has announced the signing of two student-athletes to NCAA National Letters of Intent. Joining the Sooners for the 2009 season are Morgan Reynolds (Blue Springs, Mo./High) and María Escoto (Rio Piedras, P.R./Colegio Adianez).

Reynolds, a 6-2 right side/outside hitter, hails from Blue Springs High School in Blue Springs, Mo. Reynolds chose Oklahoma over Missouri, Kansas, Iowa State, Texas Tech and Colorado State.

“Morgan is a strong-gifted athlete,” said Restrepo. “Her physical play allows her to play at either outside hitter or on the right side. She is a left-handed hitter and that makes it a lot harder for other teams to defend. She has a good arm swing, good passing for her size. She'll be a great addition for us and give us more depth at a variety of positions.”

As a senior this past season, Reynolds led the Wildcats to the Suburban Conference Big Seven Championship with an 11-0 record. The team also won the district championship and finished runner-up at the sectional tournament. Individually, Reynolds was named a first team all-state selection and first team all-conference, second team all-region and all-district. She was also selected to participate in the Missouri/Kansas All-State game.

As a senior, Reynolds hit .233 with 228 kills. She added 18 service aces and 39 total blocks – including 11 block solos.

“I chose the University of Oklahoma because of it prestigious athletic and academic programs,” Reynolds said. “I fell in love with the campus and the city of Norman. The coaches made me feel right at home, and I really liked my future teammates. I am excited to be a part of Coach Restrepo's vision for the volleyball program, and I hope to make an immediate impact.”

Escoto, a 5-7 libero, signed with Oklahoma after a stellar season in her home country of Puerto Rico. Escoto chose the Sooners over South Florida, Tulane and Arizona.

“Maria has a lot of international experience as a libero,” Restrepo said. “She's an extremely strong passer. She is very tough mentally and works extremely hard. She is also a very good defender and server.”

A member of the Puerto Rico Junior National Team (U20) for three seasons, Escoto was a member of the team that won a silver medal at the 2007 Central American and Caribbean School Sport Games. She also has all-star awards from the 2006 Copa Primera Hora and the 2007 Copa El Nuevo Día. She was named Best Digger at the North, Central America and Caribbean Volleyball Confederation Girls' Youth Championship in Gainesville, Fla. in 2006.

Outside of volleyball, Escoto was on the 2007 Colegio Adianez softball team that won the LACC championship.

“There was no doubt that Oklahoma would be where I went to school,” said Escoto. “The first I visit the campus, I felt at home. I'm looking forward to working on my degree in nutrition and very happy and anxious to be a part of the volleyball team.”

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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