AZUSA, Calif. -- Azusa Pacific volleyball coach Chris Keife has announced the signing of 3 recruits for the upcoming 2004 season, his first at the Azusa Pacific helm.

Two Southern California high school standouts—Brianne Huff (Warren HS, Downey) and Alison Pattison (Rim of the World HS, Lake Arrowhead)—as well as NCAA Division I transfer Chelsea Morgan (Nevada) will join the Cougar program next season.

The trio joins fellow NCAA Division I transfer Colleen Walker (Iona), who transferred in prior to Keife’s arrival.

Walker, a San Diego native, played 2 seasons at Iona College in New Rochelle, N.Y. A Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) second team selection this past season, Walker led the 19-13 Gaels and was in the MAAC top 10 in kills (456) and kills per game (3.86). She was also tenth in the MAAC with a .273 hitting percentage. Walker, a 6-0 outside hitter, recorded 140 kills and 110 digs in 33 matches as a 2002 freshman for the 25-12 Gaels.

“Colleen is a tremendous athlete with exceptional all-around ball control,” said Keife. “She will be called upon to be a main offensive threat for us this year and has the ability to be a clutch player.”

Morgan transfers after 2 years at Western Athletic Conference-member Nevada. A 6-1 middle blocker, Morgan’s time at Nevada was limited, but she was a 2-time All-Sierra Valley Conference honoree at Ponderosa High in Shingle Springs, Calif. Morgan, however, could step in right away and join junior MB Jenny Brickner to form one of the most imposing front lines in the GSAC.

“Chelsea has great athleticism and is a very explosive volleyball player,” said Keife. “She has the ability to hit a variety of sets and will be a main offensive threat next season.”

A 4-time All-San Gabriel Valley League selection at Warren High in Downey, Calif., Huff could step in and have an immediate impact for the Cougars. Huff was an All-CIF Division I pick as a 2003 senior and was named to the Long Beach Press Telegram Dream Team. A 5-9 middle blocker at Warren High where she led the Bears to a combined 4-year mark of 104-19, Huff will see time as a middle blocker as well as on the outside.

“Brianne is another wonderful play who can play a variety of positions,” said Keife. “Her versatility will be great for our team, and she is another player who could have a tremendous impact for us on the offensive end.”

Pattison was a 4-year starter at Rim of the World High in Lake Arrowhead, Calif., where she was a 3-time All-Mojave River League first team selection. As a 2003 senior, she was named All-CIF Division III and All-San Bernardino County first team after leading the Scots to a CIF Quarterfinal appearance. An accomplished high jumper as well, Pattison was a Mojave River League champion as a 2002 junior

“Alison is a great all-around player that can play anywhere on the court,” said Keife. “She has exceptional defensive skills with great ball control. Wherever she plays, she will have an impact.”

Keife, who replaced Gerry Gregory, who resigned from coaching after 6 years at the Cougar helm, inherits a Cougar team that returns 9 players from last year’s 17-14 team that failed to reach the playoffs for the first time since 1999. However, gone from last year’s team is 4-time All-American and Azusa Pacific all-time kills leader Jenna Sagehorn, as well as fellow seniors Christy D’Jernes, a 3-time All-GSAC pick and Roxanna Mercer, one of the finest all-around players in program history.

“An exciting thing about this group is that not only are these women wonderful athletes, but they are incredible individuals,” said Keife. “I am excited to see our volleyball talent jump in one year. The type of athletes that have committed to play here next season will allow us to compete at a high level for years to come.”