Baptiste Inks With ASU

AUGUSTA, Ga. -- Augusta State head volleyball coach Sharon Bonaventure announced Wednesday that Kailla Baptiste has signed a national letter of intent to play for Augusta State beginning in the fall.

A 5-9 utility player from Bloomington, Ill., Baptiste helped Central Catholic High take third in the highly-competitive 2010 IHSA State Championships. She led CCH with 93 aces her junior year, and played six seasons on the top two travel teams for the Illini Elite Volleyball Club.

"One of the first things that you will notice about Kailla -- aside from her work ethic -- is her vertical (jump)," Bonaventure said. "She is one of two utility players we will have next season, and is expected to provide added assistance at any position we need her."

The Jags return a wealth of experience from last season's squad that advanced to the Peach Belt Conference Tournament semifinals, including Freshman of the Year Alex Rohlfing. ASU notched a five-win improvement in 2011 and registered its first conference tournament victory since 2007.