Nov. 19, 2010

SPOKANE, Wash. - Gonzaga University women's volleyball head coach Dave Gantt has announced the signing of two players to national letters of intent. Joining the Bulldogs in the fall of 2011 is Kalistina Takau, a 6- 1 middle blocker from Hurricane High School in Hurricane, Utah and Savannah Blinn, a 6-3 middle blocker from Lewiston High School in Lewiston, Idaho.

"We began this recruiting cycle needing to compliment our roster with bigger and stronger athletes, and that trend has started with the signing of Takau and Blinn," Gantt, who is in his second year at the helm said. "Both Kalistina and Savannah are very long and athletic and will help us gain some traction and momentum in our pursuit of scoring points more efficiently. Well known in their respective regions, they were "under the radar" in terms of their national exposure during the recruiting process. Both possess the body type and athleticism to have attracted looks from most Division I programs and we are quite humbled they have chosen to join the Gonzaga volleyball family."

Takau was named Region 9 (3A) first team as a junior and helped Hurricane High win the Utah 3A state title as a sophomore.

"Kalistina has availed herself to a regimented physical training program in preparation for the upcoming club season," stated Gantt. "She is a very dynamic athlete who we think has a huge upper end. We will enjoy watching her develop over her career at GU."

Blinn was named the 5A Inland Empire League Player of the Year this past fall, while leading Lewiston High to a berth in the Idaho State Tournament.

"Savannah has really gained some confidence this fall," state Gantt. "Savannah is a young 17 years of age, and after a cycle of training, and strength and conditioning, she should be a very effective scorer on both offense and defense. She has been a middle blocker in high school and club, but we will allow her skills to dictate her position for the Zags."