Pulliza Builds Incoming 2013 Razorbacks Volleyball Class to Seven

Courtesy University of Arkansas Athletics Department

FAYETTEVILLE – The University of Arkansas volleyball team has bolstered its 2013 incoming class with the addition of four future Razorbacks. With this most recent group, head coach Robert Pulliza welcomes transfer Meredith Hays and soon-to-be-freshmen Barbara Dapic, Blakelee Dunagin and Savannah Voelzke. This marks the fifth recruiting class for Pulliza at Arkansas.

Arkansas’ first wave of signees in November featured the top-100 trio of Danielle Harbin, Breana Jones and Megan Mollett. All three—Jones at No. 52, Harbin at No. 78 and Mollett at No. 97—were listed among the nation’s best as part of PrepVolleyball’s 2012 Senior Aces Top 100.

“I believe this class is one of the top recruiting classes in the country for 2013,” Pulliza said. “It’s going to give us depth and will increase our athleticism. I expect this class to leave a big mark on our program as they progress throughout their years at Arkansas.”

Hays joins the Razorbacks after spending the first two years of her collegiate career at New Mexico State. The 5-11 outside hitter was a two-time member of the All-Western Athletic Conference (WAC) First Team and was twice named to the WAC All-Tournament Team, including Tournament MVP honors this past season. Hays was also an honorable mention selection to the 2012 AVCA All-West Region Team.

In her first collegiate season, the Hereford, Texas, native was the 2011 AVCA West Region and WAC Freshman of the Year after averaging 4.94 points per set, 4.42 kills per set and 2.53 digs per set. In two seasons at New Mexico State, Hays totaled 986 kills including a 500-kill campaign in 2011, 67 service aces and 23 double-double performances.

Dapic, a 6-3 outside hitter from Split, Croatia, brings a wealth of international experience to Fayetteville as a member of the Croatian Junior National Team. Most recently, she played with Croatia at the 2013 International Memorial Tournament in Italy. Dapic helped her country to a second-place finish at the qualifying event for the 2012 European Championships in Slovenia. She is also set to help Croatia qualify for the Junior World Championships in an upcoming event in Bulgaria. Dapic played club volleyball with OK Brda.

Dunagin is a 6-0 middle blocker from Heritage High School in Rogers, Ark., and plays club for Ozark Juniors where she has been coached by former Razorback standout Jenny Kirk. Dunagin earned 7A West Regional All-Tournament Team honors and holds the school record for career kills and blocks at Heritage HS. She also helped her club team to five appearances at the Junior Olympic National Championships, including two years competing in the Open division.

Voelzke is a 6-0 versatile attacker from Spring Hill High School in Longview, Texas. Following her senior year, she was named the 2012 All East Texas Player of the Year. Voelzke also collected a pair of All-State accolades and earned her second District 16-3A MVP award after posting 757 kills, 360 blocks, 163 digs and 65 service aces as a senior. She finished her prep career at Spring Hill with 2,318 kills and 665 blocks. Voelzke played club volleyball with East Texas Juniors.

The Razorbacks are building off last year’s recruiting class that was ranked No. 26 by PrepVolleyball.com, the highest ranking in program history. That class included soon-to-be-sophomores Monica Bollinger, Liz Fortado and Summer Morgan and redshirt freshmen Ana Sofia Jusino and Adrien Wohlschlaeger.

For more information about Razorback volleyball or other University of Arkansas athletics, please visit ArkansasRazorbacks.com. Fans can also keep up with Arkansas volleyball through the team’s sport-specific RazorbackVB Facebook and Twitter pages.