CHICO – With a generous and talented array of hitters already in place, the Chico State volleyball team has taken steps to add some depth to the roster’s serve-receive corps, as three defensive specialists – Sophia Somers, Kiel Tamiyasu and Molly Ratto – have signed National Letters of Intent to play for the Wildcats in the upcoming 2010 season.

The 5’9” Somers, a standout at Sonoma Valley High School, led the Dragons with 24 aces during her senior season while recording 75 kills, 142 digs and 45 assists to earn team MVP and All-Sonoma County League honors. Chico State Head Coach Cody Hein plans to use Somers initially as a backup at both the setter and defensive specialist positions. “Sophia will get a ton of passing reps early in her career to see if she can help us out immediately in the serve-receive game,” Hein said. “But long term, it is as a setter where I think she may have a bright future as a Wildcat.”

Somers is the stepsister of former Wildcat Abbey Ranzau, who played at Chico State from 2005-2008. “I’ve known Sophia since she was 13 years old and feel very comfortable with the both the student-athlete and the family we are bringing into the Wildcat program,” Hein said. “What we’re probably most excited about is getting her personality, character and teammate skills here for the next four years…she’s going to be a huge boost to the program in those areas.”

Tamiyasu, a 5’5” libero and defensive specialist during her four varsity seasons at Oak Park High School, was a second team All-Tri-Valley League selection in 2009, leading the Eagles with 185 digs while recording 24 aces. “Kiel is a tenacious defender with very quick feet,” Hein said. “Along with the other two incoming defensive specialists, she’ll have a chance to get maximum drill repetitions early on to prove her skills.”

Ratto, an accomplished 5’8” outside hitter from Castro Valley High School, will likely contribute to the Wildcats’ 2010 attack as a defensive specialist. “Molly provides solid defense and passing,” Hein said. “With a lot of extra reps early in her career, she should be able to help us continue our goal of being great in the serve-receive aspect of the game.” Ratto was recently named to the Norcal Volleyball Club All-Star team.

Though Chico State’s 2010 season won’t begin until August, the Wildcats will be busy during the summer, hosting a volleyball youth camp June 1-4 and a junior high school/high school residential camp July 6-9. For information on either camp, click here.