Houston graduates Viki Castleman, Lexie Malam and Trezha Malam will take the court Saturday for the first time as Lady Grizzlies in the annual Missouri State University-West Plains alumni match.
The 2007 Lady Grizzly volleyball team will square off against an alumni team, including Loran Ichord Richardson, at 2 p.m. at the West Plains Civic Center. The event is free to the public.
“This is always a great event for us and our fans,” MSU-WP coach Trish Kissiar-Knight said, “and this year it will be even more special because several of our alumni who haven’t been back in a while have said they’re going to play.”
The alumni will have their hands full with this year’s 14-member Lady Grizzly squad. Knight said she signed six additional players since the spring signing period, and they’ve rounded out the squad nicely.
Castleman, a 5-foot-9 outside/right side attacker; Lexie Malm, 5-9 setter; and Trezha Malam, 5-7 outside attacker, were three of six players signed in the spring. Two players, including All-American Patricia Gandolfo, return from last season.
“These 14 girls are a nice group to work with. They’re very coachable, and they’ve got a great attitude,” Knight said. “I think our fans are going to be very excited about this group of young ladies.”
The Lady Grizzlies open their season Aug. 24 at the Iowa Western Invitational. You can view the team’s schedule and results anytime at www.houstonherald.com/sports.
