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BLACKSBURG, Va. – Virginia Tech head volleyball coach Chris Riley announces the signing of Ashley Battle, Stacey Christy, Amanda McKinzie and Lindsey Owens to national letters of intent for the 2013-14 academic year.

“I think this is one of the most complete classes we’ve ever had here at Virginia Tech.,” said Riley. “All of the athletes coming in are playing at an extremely high level nationally and should make immediate contributions to our program”

A 6-1 right side hitter from Apex, N.C., Battle has been a letterwinner at Middle Creek High School for four seasons. She was named First Team All Tri-9 Conference for two years and has been the Tri-9 kills and overall statistical leader. In 2011, she led the conference in blocks. Battle owns the Middle Creek High School career kills record with 856. In addition, Battle was named to the Raleigh News-Observer All-Metro Team.

“Ashley is an extremely physical and gifted athlete who is coming into her own as a volleyball player,” Riley stated. “She will be one of the highest players in our gym and should make an immediate impact in the middle or on the right side.”

Christy is a 6-2 middle from Hagerstown, Md. While playing for Williamsport High School, Christy, was named the Player to Watch in 2011 and 2012. She earned second team All-County honors in 2010 and followed that up with first team honors in 2011 and 2012. Christy was named to the MVAL (conference) first team in 2010, 2011 and 2012. In addition, Christy helped guide her team to the Maryland Class 2A State Championship in her final season. Christy also competed in basketball and track & field.

“Stacey is a solid middle blocking prospect who plays extremely high and fast and has a motor that never stops,” Riley said. “She is one of the hardest workers we have ever seen.”

A 6-0 outside hitter from East Leroy Mich., McKinzie was named 2012 Michigan Miss Volleyball. She helped guide St. Philip Catholic Central High School to the Michigan Class D state title all four seasons. In addition, McKinzie is a 2012 Gatorade Player of the Year nominee. She claimed First Team All-State honors in 2010, 2011 and 2012 and was named to the second team in 2009. McKinizie nabbed first team all-region, all-league and all-city honors every season and was the League MVP in 2011 and 2012. She was a PrepVolleyball National Junior of the Year finalist in 2011, earning first team All-American honors.

“One of the best all-around volleyball players we have in this class,” said Riley. “Amanda’s ball control and defense make her an immediate contributor to our team. Amanda is another relentless competitor that will bring a never-ending level of effort to everything that she does.”

Owens, a 6-1 outside hitter from Orlando, Fla., was recently tabbed the MaxPreps Medium Schools National Player of the Year. In addition, Owens was named the Florida 4A Player of the Year as well as the overall Florida Player of the Year. This season, she earned MaxPreps First Team All-American honors and helped to guide Bishop Moore High School to a top-15 national finish and the Florida state title. Owens earned Central Florida Player of the Year honors in 2011 and 2012 and the Miss Volleyball-Dairy Farmers Award in 2012. Playing club for the Orlando Volleyball Academy, Owens was an AAU All-American in 2009, 2010 and 2012 and earned USAV All-American honors in 2010 and 2012. She was named the Chicago Showcase MVP in 2011.

“Lindsey is a tremendous athlete and all-around gifted volleyball player,” Riley said. “What separates Lindsey from all the other players is her incredibly competitive nature. She refuses to lose.”

For updates on Virginia Tech volleyball, follow the Hokies on Twitter (@VT_VBall).