From staff reports

sports@joplinglobe.com

Two high school players have signed letters of intent to play volleyball at Missouri Southern, Lions head coach Chris Willis announced Monday.

Ali Boehler (pronounced Bowler), a 5-foot-10 utility player from Olathe (Kan.) East High School and Daphen Merrick, 5-10 setter from Willard, will play for the Lions starting next fall.

Boehler played mostly outside hitter and setter in high school but will make the transition to libero for the Lions. Her sister, Whitney, played libero at Truman State this season, earning second team all-MIAA and honorable mention all-South Central Region honores while helping the Bulldogs reach the national tournament quarterfinals.

Ali Boehler was a first team all-Sunflower League selection for three years and helped Olathe East finish fourth in the Class 6A state tournament in 2007.

She holds the Olathe East record for single-season serving percentage (.971) and is third in career kills (748) and fourth in career aces (127) and career digs (595).

“Ali has played just about every position on the court during her high school and club career," Willis said in a press release. “Her versatility will serve her well as she trains in the libero position next fall. She has great platform control and the court awareness of a veteran player."

Merrick, a three-year starter at Willard, earned all-Central Ozark Conference, all-district and all-region honors her senior year. She also participates in basketball and track for the Tigers and holds the school record in the high jump.

“Daphne is a tremendous athlete who will give us depth at the setter position,” Willis said.

“She has great hands and leadership ability that give us confidence that she'll fit into our offensive system right away. I have no doubt she'll make us better on and off the court.

“We couldn't be more excited about Daphne and Ali. We look forward to seeing both of them make our program better during the next four years.”