UH volleyball adds transfers

HONOLULU — University of Hawai‘i women’s volleyball head coach Dave Shoji announced the additions of three Division I transfers to the 2012 roster.  Alyssa Longo (Penn State), Ashley Kastl (Arizona State), and Stephanie Hagins (Washington State) will all join the Rainbow Wahine for this upcoming season.

“All three transfers will add depth at their respective positions,” said Shoji. “We lost some quality players due to graduation and other reasons, and each brings top college experience to our team.”

Longo played in all 33 matches last season as a designated specialist for the Nittany Lions. She was second on the team in both service aces (32) and assists (90). “Ali played a significant role for Penn State last year and will bring energy and experience to our young team,” said Shoji. “She scores points from her serve and passes a big part of the court.”

Outside hitter Ashley Kastl joins Hawai‘i after leading the Sun Devils last season in both kills (424) and kills per set (3.82). “Ashley took the majority of swings for ASU last season,” said Shoji. “She brings to us the ability to create kills from all over the court. Ashley is a six-rotation player and will solidify our outside hitting as well as our passing.”

Stephanie Hagins comes to UH after two seasons for the Cougars, the first as a redshirt. “Stephanie will add depth to our middle blocker position,” said Shoji of his 6-4 sophomore. “With the departure of Brittany Hewitt, we were left shorthanded and Stephanie will compete right away for playing time.”

The Rainbow Wahine open the 2012 campaign hosting the Chevron Rainbow Wahine Invitational from August 24-26, playing Albany, Saint Mary’s, and Stanford. UH advanced to the NCAA regional semifinal last season and finished ranked No. 5 in the final AVCA national poll.