CLINTON, Iowa - The Ashford University volleyball team continued a flurry of activity on the recruiting trail, signing middle blocker/outside hitter Lindsey Renkes of Fulton, Ill., earlier this week.

Renkes is the second product from Fulton High School to commit to the Saints, joining teammate Kim Rogis, a defensive specialist. She is also the sixth overall prospect to join AU Head Coach Micah Cewe's recruiting haul for next fall.

Renkes will help fill a void left by the departure of a trio of senior frontliners, Lisa LaMasse, Rachel Caulkins and Breelyn McMahon.

"Lindsey has been a huge part of the success at Fulton High School these past couple of years," Cewe said. "Her attacking has improved dramatically and her blocking is one of the best parts of her defensive game. She comes to a position that is desperately needed to fill year and she will give us more depth as a middle."

Renkes will graduate as Fulton's all-time leader in kills (635) and block touches (312) in her prep career under Steamers' volleyball Head Coach Stacy Germann.

Renkes was a Second-Team Three Rivers All-Conference selection as a senior and doubled as a guard on the basketball team. She also received First-Team All-Area recognition by the Clinton Herald and Extra Recognition Player in Season accolades by the Sterling Gazette.

"Lindsey is a gamer," Germann said. "She puts forth the effort and she wants to win bad. I'm very excited to see her move on to the next level. She's worked very hard and deserves to play. I'm sending Ashford two of my best."

Renkes ranked second on the Steamers this past season in block touches (110), stuff blocks (58) and was the recipient of the Strongest Hitter Award at the team's annual awards banquet.

Renkes chose Ashford over Monmouth College and University of Wisconsin-Platteville.

The daughter of Kent and Margaret Renkes, she plans to major in Psychology while at Ashford.

"I'm grateful for the chance to play volleyball at the collegiate level," Renkes said. "I'll do whatever I can to help the team win next year and in the future."

2010 Ashford Volleyball Commitments
Lauren Johnson - S - Port Byron, Ill.
JoAnna Hoffman - S - Prospect Heights, Ill.
Chelsea Higgins - OH/MB - Festus, Mo.
Jessie Tompkins - DS - Naperville, Ill.
Kim Rogis - DS - Fulton, Ill.
Lindsey Renkes - MB/OH - Fulton, Ill.