June 2, 2005

Duquesne University head volleyball coach Steve Opperman announced today the signing of three student-athletes to National Letters of Intent. Joining the Dukes for the 2005 season are Amanda Humphrey (Lakeville, Ohio/West Holmes); Laura Kastein (Huntsville, Ohio/Benjamin Logan) and Leah Mayo (St. Anne, Ill./Bradley Bourbonnais Central).

Humphrey, a 5-11 outside hitter, helped her West Holmes squad to the state championship game in 2003 and 2004 where they were state runners-up. She helped the team post a 49-9 mark her junior and senior seasons and was a first team All-Ohio pick as a senior and third team pick as junior. The four-time all-conference honoree was a four-year letterwinner and recorded 300 kills while posting a .450 hitting percentage as a junior and senior. She will be studying liberal arts.

Kastein, a 5-9 setter, started her prep career at Mt. Lebanon (PA) High School before transferring to Benjamin Logan in Huntsville, Ohio. Kastein led her Benjamin Logan squad to the 2003 and 2004 sectional titles and to the 2004 district crown. They were regional runners-up in 2004 and district runners-up in 2003. At Mt. Lebanon, she was part of the 2000 sectional championship squad. Kastein is a two-time first team Central Buckeye All-Conference pick and first team All-District 9 selection as a junior and senior. She was tabbed an All-Ohio pick in 2004 and recorded 732 assists while leading the team with 84 service aces as a senior. Active in volunteer work, she has been a Wow Jam Youth Leader in Los Angeles, Calif. and Canada and took a mission trip to South Africa. She is planning to major in psychology.

Mayo, a 5-8 outside hitter, paced her Bradley Bourbonnais Central squad to the conference, city and regional championships en route to being named all-area, and all-conference. An all-state nominee, she also lettered in basketball and track and was named an all-area pick for both sports. Mayo set a new school record in the 100 meter dash as a prep and was a state AA qualifier in the 55 meter dash. She will study liberal arts.