MOSCOW, Idaho— With the departure of six volleyball student-athletes at the end of the 2018 season, Idaho volleyball adds five student-athletes to the 2019 roster, announced by head coach Debbie Buchanan on Monday.

The Vandals will gain two middle blockers in Travel Morris and Kyra Palmbush, two setters in Hailey Pelton and Peyten Ely and one libero in Alaina Lacey.

"I am really excited about our incoming recruiting class for 2019," Buchanan exclaimed. "This is a really athletic group of athletes who will increase the level ball control and competitiveness in the gym, which will be a great addition to our returning young squad.  All of these young women are leaders, great teammates and they love to compete."

Travel Morris, 6'3", Middle Blocker, Spring, TX
Morris, a native of Spring, TX is a senior at Spring High School. She helped the Lions to an undefeated record in the Texas 6A Region II District where she was selected as District MVP this past season.

Morris is a two-time Offensive MVP and Outstanding Hitter in her high school career… tabbed as Newcomer of the Year…earned MVP and Best All-Around Player in AAU seasons… Morris excels in the classroom as she has earned spots on the A and B honor roll at Spring High School.  She was also named one of the top 125 volleyball senior aces by Prepvollleyball.com

"Travel is a very physical athlete who moves well, jumps high, and has a great arm," Buchanan commented. "She can play in the middle or right side and will be able to come in and compete right away."



Kyra Palmbush, 6'2", Middle Blocker, Mountain View, Calif.
Palmbush joins the Vandals from Mountain View, Calif. She attended high school at Mountain View High where she finished her senior year averaging 689 kills, a .353 attacking percentage, 2826 blocks and 76 aces.

Palmbush has earned First-team All-League as a junior and senior…named Under Armour All-America…she is a two-sport athlete (basketball) who also enjoys hiking and reading outside of her sports.

"Kyra is a physical middle who moves well, jumps high, and has a great arm," Buchanan stated.  "She is a true middle blocker who can play in front or behind the setter."



Hailey Pelton, 6'0", Setter, Ferndale, WA
A native of Ferndale, Wash., Pelton currently attends Ferndale high school. The four-year varsity starter helped the Golden Eagles to a 13-0 record in 3A Northwest volleyball and consequently crowned League Champions this past season.

Pelton was a part of the 2017-18 District Championship team…selected as All-Conference selection in 2017-18… chosen a high school varsity MVP in 2017… served as high school varsity Team Captain in 2017-18 and 18U WVBA Team Captain/Club Program Captain this past year… went to WIAA 3A State Tourney all four years of high school career…2017 WIAA 2A All-State Honorable Mention… 2017 TCSN Player of the match in District Semifinal…2017 AVA Washington State Beach Volleyball 16U Champion, three-time High-Performance Beach Camp Selection…Three-time Regional High-Performance Indoor Travel Team selection… National High-Performance A2 selection in 2017… earned All-Conference selection in 2016, Three-time Scholar-Athlete, Beach High-Performance National Championship bid in 2016.

"Hailey is going to be able to come in and be able to run a fast tempo offense," Buchanan said. "She has a big presence at the net and over time will be a great attacking setter."



Peyten Ely, 5'8", Setter, Lewiston, Idaho
Ely, a homegrown product, attends Lewiston High School where she played four years of varsity volleyball for the Bengal Tigers. Ely served as 2018 Varsity Team Captain… 2018 All-Tournament selection at Emerald City Classic Tournament in Seattle…Athlete of the Month honors in 2017, placed fourth at State tourney as a freshman… tabbed Most Inspirational Player in freshman and junior year… National Honor Society… Three-time Distinguished Team Scholastic recipient… 2018 Outstanding Individual Scholastic honoree.

"Peyten is a smaller setter who can also run a fast tempo offense," Buchanan remarked. "She will continue to train as a setter and a defensive specialist."



Alaina Lacey, 5'7", Libero, Richland, Wash.
Like Pelton, Lacey also hails for the state of Washington, attending Richland High School in Richland, Wash. The 5'7 outside/ds is a four-year varsity letterman who helped the Bombers to a 54-2 conference record during her four-year career.

Lacey served as Team Captain of the Richland Bombers her junior and senior year… Three-time MCC First Team All-Conference team… TCH First Team All-Area three years straight… 2017 All-State Honorable Mention… Washington State Academic Champions this past year… Four-time Honor Roll student… Currently holding a 3.86 GPA.

"Alaina is a very athletic libero who has played every position in the game," Buchanan pointed out. "She has a great platform, and she is going to raise our level of ball control."