PEORIA, Ill. -- Second-year Bradley volleyball head coach Jenny Maurer received three commitments during the Fall signing period, with 6-2 middle blocker Kelsey Cave (Solon, Iowa/Solon), 5-9 setter/defensive specialist Melissa Hoerber (Fulton, Mo./Fulton) and 6-0 middle blocker/outside hitter Rachel Jones (Champaign, Ill./Centennial) joining the 2013 Braves.

"Our incoming class possesses a dynamic combination of athleticism, intelligence, mental toughness and leadership skills," stated Maurer.  "They truly understand the importance of hard work and are willing to do what it takes to help continue to raise the level of Bradley Volleyball."

A two-time unanimous all-conference selection, Cave collected 326 kills this fall, while hitting .446 and averaged 0.81 blocks per set.  She earned honorable mention Under Armour All-American honors as a senior and took home all-state honors following both her junior and senior seasons.  A two-time all-district performer, Cave set the Iowa state record for block assists in a match and averaged 1.2 blocks per set during her junior year.

"Kelsey's physicality and competitiveness will be immediately noticed," said Maurer.  "She loves to score as much as she loves to stop an opponent's attack, which has been recognized on the national stage, and she does both with such intensity and passion. Her work ethic and leadership by example will be a great addition to our team as she constantly devotes time to improving every aspect of her game."

Cave helped the Spartans to back-to-back conference championships and consecutive state tournament appearances, which included a second-place state finish this fall in addition to earning state all-tournament honors in 2012.  A four-time letterwinner in volleyball, she helped Solon to a 65-7 (.903) record over the last two seasons.  A three-sport standout, Cave also lettered in track and basketball, qualifying for the state championship in the high jump each of her first three seasons, in addition to qualifying in discus last spring. 

Fulton High School's career record holder for assists (2,027), aces (278) and digs (827), Hoerber also ranks third in school history with 448 career kills.  She is a three-time all-state selection and helped the Hornets to an Elite Eight appearance in 2010 as a sophomore, setting school season records for assists (596) and aces (86).

"What I first noticed about Melissa (Hoerber) was her court presence and her drive to improve," stated Maurer.  "Whether she was setting or playing defense, she made her team better through execution as well as her ability to read her opponents.  We are confident Melissa will enhance several aspects of our team and expect her to challenge early in the back row."

A three-time team captain, Hoerber was an academic all-state honoree and is a three-time first-team all-district choice.  She helped Fulton to four consecutive district titles and was a four-time, first-team all-conference selection, garnering the most votes for each of her final three prep seasons.  Hoerber was a three-time team captain.

Jones helped her team to a 37-5 record and third-place state finish this fall.  Centennial's top attacker and blocker in 2012, she helped the Chargers to a 137-21 (.867) record during her high school career.  Jones boasted a .420 attack percentage as a senior, while averaging 3.00 kills and 1.45 blocks per set.

"Her lightning-quick feet and ability to score from anywhere along the net make Rachel (Jones) a versatile offensive and defensive option for us next year," added Maurer.  "As someone who is used to being keyed on by opponents, she maintains a very composed demeanor on the court, while her stats reveal a true competitor who knows how to score and block."

Helping Centennial to its second straight conference and regional titles, Jones set the Chargers season record with 276 kills this fall.  Named to the Under Armour All-American watch list prior to her senior season, she was an honorable mention all-state performer as a junior, and is a two-time first-Team All-Area selection by the Champaign News-Gazette.  Jones averaged 1.55 kills and 1.57 blocks per set as a junior.