Four more volleyball players sign with MCC program

John J. Mesh/McCook Daily Gazette Dundy County High School senior Heather Morris, seated right, signed a letter of intent Thursday to play volleyball at McCook Community College. Seated to her left is MCC coach Jenni McConville. In back are Heather's parents Danny and Peggy Morris.

McCook Community College volleyball coach Jenni McConville continued to mine Southwest Nebraska for talent.

McConville signed Dundy County High School senior Heather Morris to a letter of intent Thursday.

Morris, a versatile 5-foot-7 athlete who can play both hitter and back row, joined an incoming freshman class that will include McCook's Sara Cappel and Denae Owens, Southwest's Brittany McConville, Hayes Center's Mary Gohl, Maywood's Crystal Zwickl and Ansley's Lindsay Hartman.

Courtesy Hayes Center High School senior Mary Gohl signed a letter of intent to play volleyball at McCook Community College. In back are Hayes Center coach Marian Richards and Mary's parents Patty and Russell Gohl.

"I'm really excited to play at McCook," said Morris, who also received offers from the University of Nebraska-Kearney and Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture at Curtis.

"It will be a lot easier because I know some of the girls. It's really convenient because it's close to home."

Morris played a key role for the Dundy County Tiger volleyball program, which went to state her sophomore and senior seasons. The Tigers lost in the first round of the Nebraska state tournament last fall.

Courtesy Maywood High School senior Crystal Zwickl signed a letter of intent to play volleyball at MCC. From left are Maywood coach Stacy Vaughn, Crystal's mother Sherry Zwickl-Renner, Crystal Zwickl and MCC coach Jenni McConville. Zwickl is a Red Crush Seniors teammate of MCC volleyball recruits Mary Gohl, Hayes Center; Denae Owens and Sara Cappel, McCook; and Brittany McConville, Southwest.

Morris' sister Amber is a sophomore-to-be on the MCC women's basketball team.

Jenni McConville said familarity with the area players, Morris included, will make coaching them easier.

"Heather will bring a lot to the front and back row," she said. "She will also get a look at outside hitter. She brings a positive attitude.

Courtesy Ansley High School senior Lindsay Hartman, front center, signed a letter of intent to play volleyball at MCC next season. Pictured with Lindsey in front are parents Kim and Allen Hartman. In back are Ansley assistant coach Jill Oxford, Ansley head coach Pat Hoblyn and MCC head coach Jenni McConville. Lindsey is the granddaughter of Ruth Ann Hackenkamp and the late Earnie Hackencamp of McCook.

"I'm really exited about the recruiting class."

Morris, who will major in accounting, is the daughter of Danny and Peggy Morris, Benkelman.

Gohl is a 5-8 middle hitter and Zwickl is a 5-9 middle hitter.

"Both girls are strong in the middle, both blocking and hitting, and could probably be moved where ever is needed," McConville said."

Gohl and Zwickl were both on the Red Crush Seniors team along with Brittany McConville, Owens and Cappel.

Hartman, a 5-7 outside hitter, was an Honorable Mention pick by the Omaha World Herald.