Ellsworth Community College Panther volleyball players Keisha Machado and Maria Cristina Negron have signed national letters of intent to transfer and continue their volleyball careers at Ottawa University in Ottawa, KS. Machado is an outside hitter from Manati, Puerto Rico, and Negron is a setter/right hitter from Camuy, Puerto Rico.
"I'm very glad we could advance these two successful student-athletes to the next level, and I'm happy they've found a home at Ottawa University," says ECC Head Volleyball Coach Melanie Suljic. "They've been successful at ECC both in the classroom and on the court, and nothing makes me happier as a coach than to see my athletes grow and continue to pursue their dreams. We wish them the best of luck!"
Negron transferred to ECC from Puerto Rico in January and will graduate this month. She trained with the Panthers during their spring season, and had one year of eligibility to compete this fall. Negron helped run ECC's 6-2 offense, setting in the back row and hitting in the front row. She was successful and versatile in all aspects of the game, accumulating 186 kills, 647 set assists, 31 aces, 238 digs and 39 blocks.
-30-
Photo caption: Keisha Machado (left) and Maria Cristina Negron (right), both of Puerto Rico, are pictured signing their national letters of intent with Ottawa University Head Volleyball Coach Melissa Blessington. Machado and Negron will transfer to Ottawa to continue their educations and volleyball careers after they graduate from ECC this spring.