Tech volleyball inks two more to 2011 roster

Christine Maci, a 6-0 middle hitter, and Sarah Teel, a 5-9 outside hitter, have signed national letters of intent to play at Tennessee Tech.

 

A native of Fisher, Ind., Maci played four seasons of volleyball at Cathedral High School under head coach Jean Kesterson. She also played three seasons for the Munciana club team and is a current member of Team Indiana under coaches Sara Marshall and Dave Englert.

 

"I was attracted to her game because she plays very mature," Blair said. "She does all the things a middle hitter is required to do well and she does them consistently."

 

A two-time all-city selection in 2009 and 2010, Maci helped her team to a state championship her sophomore season in 2008. She was also named second-team all-state in 2010, and helped her team receive the national Catholic Team of the Year award.

 

When choosing Tennessee Tech it came down to a couple of things for Maci.

 

"It came down to two schools for me, but it was Tech's academics that helped make my decision," Maci said. "I want to go into engineering and Tech has a great program."

 

The prospect of playing for coach Blair also made the decision an easy one.

 

"When talking to coach Blair it's obvious that he has a lot of knowledge about the game," Maci said.  

 

A native of Cypress, Texas, Teel earned three letters as a member of the Cy-Fair High School varsity volleyball team. Playing primarily as an outside hitter or as a defensive specialist, Teel finished her career at Cy-Fair in the top 10 in both kills and service aces, while playing for head coach Donna Benotti.

 

"Sarah has great potential because of her athleticism," Blair said. "She's got great mechanics and we're looking for her to compete for time at the outside position."

 

Teel was named team captain in 2010, and earned several other accolades including being named all-district and to the Cy-Fair all-tournament team. She also excelled in the classroom, being named academic all-district during her final two seasons.

 

"When I visited the campus it felt like it was a great fit," Teel said. "I'm interested in engineering and the team made me feel very welcomed."

 

Teel also spent four seasons as a member of the Texas Tornados volleyball club team under coach James Fuller, and is currently a member of the Willowbrook club team under head coach Chris Burke.

 

Maci and Teel join fall signees Ellen Conti and Madison Keyes as Golden Eagle newcomers who will replace Tech's four departing seniors.

 

Tech finished its 2010 season winning 11 matches while making its fourth straight appearance in the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament.