Fresno State Athletics
`Dogs Sign Two Local Recruits for Volleyball
11/16/2007 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Nov. 16, 2007
LAS CRUCES, N.M. - Fresno State has announced that Buchanan High School seniors Brianna Clarke and Baylee Platt have signed National Letters of Intent to attend school in Fresno and play volleyball under third-year head coach Ruben Nieves for the 2008-09 season.
Clarke is a 6'1 middle blocker and Platt is a 5'10 outside hitter. On Thursday evening, they led the Bears to a 3-0 sweep over Bakersfield High School to win the Valley Championship in Division One. Buchanan High School finished undefeated (10-0) in their conference and now advances to the California State playoffs.
"Brianna was the most highly recruited senior volleyball player in the area," said Nieves. "It has been impressive over the past three years to see her develop into the blue-chip athlete and volleyball player she has become. She has been taught to play this game very well and that is a real credit to those who have coached her."
Clarke was also recruited by Western Athletic Conference rivals Nevada and powerhouse New Mexico State.
"Clarke is a force at the net and we look forward to getting her blocking and hitting onto the court, not to mention her winning touch," added Nieves.
"With two senior outside hitters graduating, we really need an outside hitter like Baylee," said Nieves. "She oozes athleticism. When watching her make a play at a practice last year, assistant coach Lee Nelson commented to me, "I could never do that." She is strong, explosive, quick, has a great arm and possess tremendous hand-eye coordination. She is a great defender, and plays the game with a lot of heart and enthusiasm."
Pratt and Clarke were coached by Marian Battles at BHS. As a junior, Clarke was named to the first team All-TRAC (Tri River Athletic Conference).
"I think this is a recruiting breakthrough for us," Nieves said. "Brianna and Baylee are the top players on the best team in the Valley. This region has great high school volleyball talent. For example, the TRAC has six great programs and coaches. For Buchanan to go undefeated in that league is quite an accomplishment. Bri and Bay follow in the footsteps of the many great players produced in our Valley. We are thrilled to get two of coach Battles' finest."
This is the second year in a row that Fresno State has signed two players out of the Central Cal Volleyball Club, coached by Kieran Roble. Central Cal's Sarah Oskam and Kasey Van Grouw joined the `Dogs in 2007.
"Join the State - Fresno State!" - The Bulldogs finish the season at the University of the Pacific Banker's Classic, Nov. 23-24 in Stockton, Calif. Tournament teams include, UOP, Fresno State, St. Mary's and Cincinnati.
