THIBODAUX, La. – First-year head volleyball coach Patrick Hiltz announced the signing of seven players that will suit up for the Nicholls State University women's volleyball team next year.

Joining the team in 2013 will be Alyse Barclay, Kayla Burling, Kalynn Egea, Kayla Kane, Kayla Mashburn, Mikayla Miller and Emily Philpott.

“The signees will not only help us fill the void left by our departing senior class, but come in an make an immediate, positive impact on the group as a whole,” Hiltz said. “We are building this program for the future and this class begins that process.”

Barclay, a 6-1 setter from New Zealand, will join the team after one season at Dodge City Community College in Kansas. As a freshman, Barclay served up 856 assists for a 6.96 assist per game average for the Conquistadors, finishing second on the team in aces with 56. Barclay accumulated 160 kills and 256 digs playing in 31 matches on the season.

Wrapping up her senior year at Plano East High School, Burling was a two-time all-district selection for the Panthers as well as being a member of the Excel 17 Elite club volleyball team. As a junior, Burling amassed over 400 kills and 200 digs with 50 service aces.

Egea, a libero from Phoenix College, was an All-ACCAC honorable mention for the Bears, helping to lead her team to the national tournament after winning the NJCAA Division II Region I championship. The 5-7 defensive specialist who prepped at Sunrise Mountain High School, led the team in digs with 402 for a 4.84 average, ending the year with just four matches where she didn't have double-digit digs.

Joining Egea will be her PC teammate in Kane, the All-ACCAC first team and All-Region I Division II honoree. Kane was 18th overall in the nation in assists per set, averaging 9.20 with 736 on the season. In conference play she was even better averaging 9.53 per set, posting a 66-assist match late in the season.

Mashburn has played every position on the court, but when she gets to Nicholls her hitting prowess and effectiveness at the net will be her strongest suits. As an outside hitter for the Keller Indians and Texas Image club team, Mashburn has been a part of two qualifying junior national championships qualifier teams.

At Caney Creek High School, Miller, a 6-1 middle blocker, is a three-sport athlete after lettering in volleyball, track and golf. A repeat all-district selection at the Conroe-based school, Miller averaged four kills per set as a junior and senior, earning district MVP and Montgomery County Co-MVP honors in 2011.

Hailing from Austin, Texas, Philpott is the last signee for the Colonels and is the second middle Nicholls will add to the roster next season. Philpott won a district championship in her final year at Liberty Hill and was a first team all-district selection and will complete her final year of club ball in the coming months.