North Carolina Central University

VOLLEYBALL

     DURHAM, NC -- North Carolina Central University head coach Ingrid Wicker has added three student-athletes to the 2003 Lady Eagle volleyball roster.
     "I am excited about our incoming recruits for the 2003 class and what they are going to bring to the NCCU women's volleyball program," said Wicker, entering her 10th season at NCCU.  "Each one of them will make great contributions to our program, both academically and athletically."
     Tiffanni Turrentine, a 6-1 middle hitter from Durham, NC, lettered in volleyball, basketball and track at Northern High School for the past four years.  During her senior campaign, she amassed 11 kills and 10 blocks during an upset victory over Chapel Hill in the state 4-A playoffs, advancing to the third round for the first time in school history. 
     "Tiffanni is a gifted athlete who is very quick," Wicker said. "She will adjust well to the college game and will be able to contribute to our program at several positions."
     Portia Gause, a 5-8 outside hitter from Shallotte, NC, amassed 195 kills and 49 service aces during her senior campaign to lead West Brunswick High School to a 23-6 overall record, setting a new school standard for total wins. A three-time Mideastern 3A-4A All-Conference selection, Gause was voted as the 2002 Brunswick County Player of the Year and named to the "Toast of the Coast" volleyball team by The Sun News (Myrtle Beach, SC). 
     "Portia will bring in experience as an all-around player," Wicker said. "She already has great ball control and is able to put the ball where she wants to on the front row.  She played for the Cape Fear Junior Olympic Volleyball program, which will help her adjust to the college-level game in the fall."
     Sasha Vann, a 6-2 middle hitter from Supply, NC, was also a key component on West Brunswick High School's record-setting 2002 squad. Vann recorded 257 kills, 110 blocks and 41 service aces to earn All-Brunswick County honors and a spot on the "Toast of the Town" team.  A two-time Coca-Cola Scholar Athlete, she has also received All-Conference accolades in basketball for the last three years. 
     "Sasha is a tremendous athlete who will get better as she gains court experience," Wicker said. "Her size and great athletic ability will contribute to the development of our program."