Aug. 2, 2012

ATHENS, Ohio -  Ohio Volleyball has announced the addition of Hannah Burkle, a 6-2 middle blocker and outside hitter transfer from Eastern Kentucky University, and Carley Jones, a 5-6 defensive specialist from Edgewood, Ky.

Burkle started 31 of 32 matches at Eastern Kentucky where she was named to the OVC All-Newcomer Team. She finished second on the team with 351 kills and led the Colonels with 105 blocks.  She finished the season ranked eighth in the OVC with an average of 0.87 blocks and 10th with 3.50 points per set. 

Prior to EKU, Burkle played at Crystal Lake South High School where she was a two-time First Team All-Area choice and earned First Team All-Conference her senior season. The Lake South Team MVP was a Chicago Sun Times “Fab 50” selection and was also a member of the Sky High club team, helping the club capture the 2009 national championship.

“Hannah has the ability to score points, attacking and blocking, as a middle or a right side,” Ohio Head Coach Ryan Theis said. “She can do a few different things but her arm will make her a factor in our program.”

Jones had 488 digs last season at Notre Dame Academy, to set the single-season mark, and graduated with 1,049 career digs, another ND record. She was also a two-time all-state selection and three-year regional all-tournament selection. Jones played in the same league as Sacred Heart Academy, the alma mater of fellow freshman Meredith Ashy.

“Carley has endless energy and passion,” Theis said. “She reminds me of a young Meryl Bender.  She has terrific foot speed and can cover some ground.“

The Bobcats open the fall season with the annual Green & White match on Aug. 18, at 2 p.m.