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Jan. 7, 2009

CANYON, Texas - West Texas A&M University volleyball coach Tony Graystone has announced the signing of Lauren Beville of Hereford, Texas (Hereford High School), Erin Dougherty of Omaha, Neb. (Mercy High School), and Stormi Lancaster of Mobeetie, Texas (Fort Elliot High School) to a national letters-of-intent to attend WTAMU and play for the Lady Buffs during the 2009-10 academic year.

Beville, a 5-5 libero, earned 2008 District Player of the Year honors and was named to the 4A all-State first team as well as the 2008 State all-Tournament team. She was selected to the Amarillo Globe News Super Team and helped lead her high school team to a class 4A State Championship in 2008.

"Lauren is an outstanding defensive and ball control player and someone we are truly excited about," Graystone said. "She was one of the most accomplished players in this area throughout her high school career, and we are thrilled she chose to continue her career at WT. Lauren plays with a tremendous amount of energy and is absolutely fearless in the back row. With the graduation of two libero from our team this past season, Lauren will have the opportunity to make an immediate impact in 2009."

A 6-0 middle blocker, Erin Dougherty was the 2008 Nebraska Class B leader in blocks. She was a 2008 all-State honorable mention and was selected to the 2008 all-Area first team.

"Erin is a terrific middle blocker who makes an impact both as a hitter and as a blocker," Graystone said. "She has received outstanding training at the high school and club level, and understands the game at a very high level. Erin was heavily recruited throughout our region, but she is a great match with our program and should have little trouble making the adjustment from high school to college volleyball. She will provide immediate depth in the middle and should eventually become a fixture in our lineup."

Stormi Lancaster is a 5-10 outside hitter. She was the 2008 District 6-1A player of the year and earned 2008 1A all-State first team honors. She was selected to the 2008 academic all-State team and was named to the 2008 Amarillo Globe News Super Team.

"Stormi has been our most heavily recruited player over the past two years, and we're happy to finally have her signed for next season," Graystone said. "Although she comes from a small high school program, Stormi plays the game at a high level and should have a fairly short learning curve in our system. Stormi's strength right now is her offense, but she projects to eventually be an outstanding all around player. Stormi's volleyball abilities, combined with her strong work ethic and commitment to academics, make her a perfect fit for WT."