WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL

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BUFFALO, NY - University at Buffalo head volleyball coach Sally Kus has announced the early signing of two student-athletes who have chosen to continue their athletic and academic careers at the University at Buffalo. Outside hitter Tamara Jule (Regina Beach, Saskatchewan/Riffel) and libero Lizaiha Garcia (Fairborn, OH/Beavercreek) will join the Bulls in the fall for the 2004 season.

"Graduating two key players in Lindsay Matikosh (North Tonawanda, NY/North Tonawanda) and Alexis Bouie (Albion, NY/Albion), our incoming freshman class will have some big shoes to fill," said Kus. "We think both Tammy and Lizaiha will make an immediate impact in our program."

Jule is a 6-0 outside hitter from Saskatchewan, making her the third Canadian on the Bulls' roster. She has been a member of Team Canada for the past three years, playing on the Canadian Junior National Team in 2003 and the Canadian Youth National Team in 2001 and 2002. Jule is a three-time member of the Saskatchewan Provincial Team and a three-time City All-Star while playing at Riffel High School. She was Riffel's Most Valuable Player this past season and was also the leading-scorer on her school's basketball team. Jule is a two-time City All-Star in basketball, and she played on the Saskatchewan Provincial Basketball Team in 2001.

"We are thrilled Tammy has chosen UB as her new home for the next four years," said Kus. "Not only has Tammy been a leader on her high school, club, and provincial teams, she also has valuable international playing experience. Tammy has a dynamic jump touching over 10 feet, she hits a heavy ball and has a great combination of explosiveness and power. Tammy also has experience in all three front row positions, which will add versatility to our roster. We think she will be one of the top freshmen in the Mid-American Conference in 2004."

Garcia is a 5-4 libero from Fairborn, OH, and she was only the third player in the history of Beavercreek High School to start on the varsity volleyball team for four years. Garcia won her team's Best Defensive Player award all four years and the Best Server award as a junior and senior. She was a first-team All-Conference, All-District and All-Area selection and a Senior All-Star in 2003 and a first-team All-Conference and second-team All-District selection as a junior in 2002. Garcia has played on the Dayton Juniors club team since age 13, and her teams qualified for Nationals for four straight years, finishing tied for fifth in the nation last season.

"After playing last season without a true libero, we knew how important it was to sign a talented defensive player," said Kus. "Lizaiha will be that player for us come fall, and she will make an immediate difference on our court. Liz plays for the reputable Dayton Juniors where she has developed quality first contacts. She has exceptional quickness and is a fierce competitor.

"Both Lizaiha and Tammy are true student-athletes and we know they will compliment our program both on and off the court. We are excited about the future of UB volleyball!"

Both Jule and Garcia plan to major in physical therapy at UB.