Nov. 23, 2005

HATTIESBURG, Miss. -- - Southern Miss Head Volleyball Coach Ricci Luyties has announced the signing of two standout players, Angela Hlavaty of Lincoln, Neb., and Mari Ruddick of Santa Clarita, Calif., to a national letter of intent for the 2006-07 academic year.

Hlavaty, a 6-4 middle hitter, was a three-year letterwinner and starter at Lincoln Lutheran High School. She was a three-time all-city team and all-conference selection. She received all-state honors twice and named to the all-state tournament team. She helped her team win the C-a state tournament championship in 2004 and the runner-up in 2005. She finished her senior season with 448 kills, setting a school and state class record, while hitting .430 with 120 blocks and 60 aces. She played club volleyball with Lincoln Star City. She is currently a member of the Nebraska Juniors 18 Red team. She is the daughter of Ross and Susan Hlavaty.

"Angela is a great player with the size to compete with anyone in the conference and maybe in the country," Luyties said. "I believe she will make an immediate impact on the program and will have a great career as a Lady Eagle.

Ruddick, a 6-3 opposite side hitter, was named to the Big West Conference all-freshman team in 2003. She will have three years of eligibility remaining after, playing in 30 matches and 109 games in her first year at Utah State, hitting .232 with 252 kills and 106 blocks. She recorded 10 or more kills in 12 matches, including 11 of her final 16 matches. She played high school volleyball at Canyon High School, where she received second team all-conference honors as a senior. She helped lead her team to the second round of the CIF state playoffs. She finished her senior campaign with 209 kills, 56 blocks and 27 aces, while hitting .399. She also played club volleyball on the Santa Monica Beach Club team that ranked in the top-10 in SCVA and finished in the top-20 at the Las Vegas Invitational. She is the daughter of Lauri Ruddick.

"Mari brings some proven experience to fill our right side position," Luyties said. "She had a good freshman season at Utah State and I look for her to come in eager and ready to play after sitting out this past season."