June 16, 1999

LAS VEGAS - The UNLV volleyball program has received five transfers for the 1999 season, Head Coach Deitre Collins announced Wednesday.

The five new additions to the program are Shannon Chase, Alicia Erickson, Oge Fitz, Maria Julia Goes and Robyn Shea.

Chase, 5-9 freshman outside hitter/defensive specialist, comes to UNLV from Colorado State University. Chase didn't play at CSU last season, but attended classes and worked out with the Rams in the spring.

"Shannon didn't play last year, but she will be a nice addition to our team," Collins said. "She will offer us stability in our passing and defense."

Erickson, a 6-4 sophomore middle blocker from Las Vegas, Nev., comes to UNLV from Washington State University. Erickson averaged 1.21 blocks per game last season, which ranked ninth in the Pac-10. She also averaged 1.43 kills per game. Erickson played in 88 games for WSU last year.

"Alicia comes from a big conference and a historically powerful program," Collins said. "She will be a big presence for us on the floor."

Fitz, a 5-10 sophomore outside hitter from San Jose, Calif., comes to UNLV from Cal State Fullerton. Fitz appeared in 27 matches and 80 games last season. She recorded 1.81 kills per game and 1.08 digs per game.

"Oge has a 30-inch vertical leap, which illustrates her raw athletic ability," Collins said. "She will contribute athletically to the team and is definitely a prospect for the future."

Goes, a 5-9 sophomore setter from Sorocaba, Brazil, comes to UNLV from National American University. Goes averaged 34.63 assists per match last season, recording 1,420 for the season. She also turned in 7.34 digs per match.

"Maria Julia has a ton of playing experience and has competed at the top levels in Brazil," Collins said. "She will add leadership and can contribute right away."

Shea, a 5-10 junior setter from Salt Lake City, Utah, transferred to UNLV from Weber State last spring and has attended UNLV for a semester. Shea averaged 8.81 assists per game last season with 1.39 digs per game.

"Robyn worked out with us during the spring," Collins said. "She will be competing with Maria Julia to run the team from the setter position."

UNLV, which finished last season with a 23-8 mark and a WAC Tournament semifinal appearance, begins the 1999 campaign at home on Friday, Sept. 3, as it hosts the Official All-Star Cafe/UNLV Volleyball Classic.||