July 15, 2008

(San Francisco) - USF head volleyball coach Gilad Doron announces five incoming student-athletes for the 2008 season, completing his first recruiting class at the University of San Francisco. The talented class features balance with a setter - 5-11 Anya Katansky (Moscow, Russia/Foothill JC), a 6-0 opposite hitter Erin Kilroy (Portland, OR), a 6-2 middle blocker Erin Bragg (Clovis, CA), a 5-8 libero Leinani Keanini (Kailua, HI) and a 5-10 outside hitter, Belinda Behncke-Biney (Hamburg, Germany/Virginia Commonwealth).

"We are very excited about our incoming class of 2008," Doron said. "We have added depth, athleticism, and experience in every position. We feel these young ladies will drastically increase the level of competition in the gym from day one. As our first full recruiting class, we know these women will represent the University well both academically and athletically."

Erin Bragg, 6-2, Fr., Middle Blocker (Clovis, CA/Fresno City College)
- 2006 Top-25 Prep Volleyball Player
- 2006 Fresno Bee All-Bee Team
- Lifted Buchanan High School to a 26-9 record and a Central Section Division I Championship and a berth in the in 2006

Leinani Keanini, 5-8, Fr., Libero/Outside Hitter (Kailua, HI/Iolani HS)
- Plays for Imi'ike Volleyball Club
- Named High School Female Athlete of the Year
- 2007 ILH First Team selection


Anya Katanski, 5-11, Jr., Setter (Moscow, Russia/Foothill JC)
- Former member, Russian Junior National Team
- 2007 AVCA Asics All-America, Second Team
- Set Foothill to the Coast Conference North co-Championship
- Averaged 9.58 assists, 2.48 digs and 0.78 aces as a sophomore

Erin Kilroy, 6-0, Fr., Opposite Hitter/Setter (Portland, OR/Jesuit HS)
- 2007 Oregon State 6A Player of the Year
- Helped guide Crusaders to a No. 1 State ranking and a fourth place finish in the 2007 state championships
- Two-time first team all-state selection

Belinda Behncke-Biney, 5-10, So., Outside Hitter (Hamburg, Germany/VCU)
- Averaged 2.42 kills and 2.03 digs per game as a freshman at Virginia Commonwealth
- Posted career-high with 29 kills to go along with 13 digs vs. William and Mary (11/2/07)
- Experienced international player