University of Northern Colorado Athletics
Oates Signs Three to Class of 2023
11/10/2022 9:11:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
 Bella LePore Brentwood, Tenn. Ravenwood HS Alliance VC 5-5 / DS |
 Gabi Placide Aurora, Colo. Grandview HS Colorado Juniors 6-1 / OH |
 Alayna Tessena Medina, Ohio Highland HS AVC 5-11 / OH |
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"We are very excited about this class. We like that we were able to find the full package in these three players. They are very good students, talented and experienced on the court, and wonderful people as well. We didn't compromise on a single thing," said Oates.
Bella LePore / DS / Brentwood, Tenn.
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LePore, a Brentwood, Tennessee native, will bring her skill as a 5'5" libero, as well as significant accolades with her to Northern Colorado. The Ravenwood High School product is the No. 15 recruit in the state of Tennessee.
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Last season as a junior, LePore registered an impressive 639 digs and has already tabbed an additional 412 so far this season. She has also recorded an impressive 157 aces as a staple from her team's service line. In addition to her high school team, LePore was a competitor for the Alliance VC
"Bella is so solid in every aspect of her game. She comes from a good club and high school team where she has played at a high level making her ready to contribute right away," Oates said. "Bella came to camp two summers ago and we knew right away that we wanted her to be in our gym for four years."
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Gabi Placide / OH / Aurora, Colo.
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A 6'1" outside hitter, Gabi Placide will remain in-state as she makes her way from Aurora to Greeley next fall. The Grandview High School senior is the No. 5 recruit in the state of Colorado.
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Placide has racked up 421 career kills, including 230 kills this season. In addition, Placide boasts 165 career blocks. In the club ranks, Placide was a member of Colorado Juniors.
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"Gabi is incredibly talented. We think she is a hidden gem in state," Oates said. "She is the kind of physicality we are looking for to push our team further in postseason. We are a great fit for Gabi as well to pursue her degree and stay close to her family in Denver."
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Alayna Tessena / OH / Medina, Ohio
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Alayna Tessena makes her way to Greeley from Medina, Ohio. The 5'11" outside hitter has tallied 1,141 kills during her career, 378 of them this season alone.
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The Highland High School product also has a hitting percentage of .374 and has compiled more than 250 career aces. Tessena also found success while playing for AVC on the club level.
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"Alayna definitely fits the mold of our successful outside hitters over the years. She can play high, has a fast arm, and brings ball control skills in the back row as well. She will fit in very well right away and add to our already talented group of outside hitters," Oates said.Â
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To stay up to date on all things UNC volleyball, visit UNCBears.com and follow the team on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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