Area sports digest 11/23/04

Southeast Missouri State University volleyball coach Cindy Gannon recently announced the signing of three high school seniors to national letters of intent during the NCAA's weeklong early signing period.

Alyssa Aston is a 5-foot-10 all-state setter from Franklin, Tenn.; Katrina Niemeyer is a 6-foot hitter from Mater Dei High School in Breese, Ill., who is a three-time St. Louis all-area selection; and Kimberly Unnerstall is a 5-8 all-stater from Borgia High School in Washington, Mo., who can play several positions.

Aston helped lead her team to a state tournament appearance; Niemeyer helped lead Mater Dei to the Elite Eight of the Illinois state tournament; and Unnerstall helped lead Borgia to a Missouri state championship.

"I'm really excited about these athletes and can't wait until they join the team," Gannon said. "These athletes are big-time players and will help us get back to the top of the Ohio Valley Conference."