ITTA BENA – Mississippi Valley State has announced the signing of six women’s volleyball standouts who will join the Devilette team during the 2013 season.

The six-member signing class includes three transfers and three high school products.

Those inking with MVSU include: Taylor Littleton (Barton Community College), Cynthia Richardson (Hattiesburg High School), Athena Abary (Etiwanda High School), Kayondra Hood (Gavilian College), Andrea Lopez (Niles North High School) and Steffi Rodriguez (St. Petersburg College).

Littleton, a 6-foot middle blocker, is a Wichita, Kan. Native who was named KJCCC Player of the Week during her time at Barton Community College. She was also named Second Team All-Conference and All-Academic during her freshman year.

Richardson, a 6-foot-2 middle blocker from Hattiesburg High, played in the 2012 MAC All-Star Game and lead her team in kills and blocks during her junior and senior year.

Abary, a 5-foot-3 setter, was named All-Baseline League and was a two-year starter and team captain at Etiwanda High School (Calif.). She was also named Varsity MVP and was the recipient of the Coach’s Award.

Hood, a 5-foot-2 libero, transfers to MVSU from Gavilan College in Gilroy, Calif. The Colorado Springs, Colo. native was named First Team All-Conference and broke the school record for digs in a match and a single season.

Lopez is a 5-foot-9 outside hitter from Nile North High School in Illinois. This season, she was named Second Team All-Area, CSL Co-Player of the Year, CSL All-Conference, Niles North MVP and Northside Prep Varsity Tournament MVP.

Rodriguez, a 5-foot-4 libero from St. Petersburg College, brings a host of experience. Her achievements include Most Digs Award, Most Service Aces Award, Osceola County First Team, NJCAA Florida Suncoast Second Team and three-time varsity MVP. Rodriguez was also named to the National Technical Honor Society.