Pena Turbi & Acosta sign to play volleyball in Kentucky

MARSHALLTOWN – Marshalltown Community College's Yanelis Pena Turbi and Katherine Acosta, both from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, have signed to NAIA Union College in Barbourville, KY to continue their academic and athletic careers.

Pena Turbi and Acosta are both looking forward to the warmer weather in Kentucky and were also drawn to Union because of the large population of international students.

Pena Turbi set a 5-1 for the Tigers for two seasons, ending her career with 1255 assists.  Appearing in 156 sets, Pena Turbi averaged over eight assists and 2.14 digs per set, finishing with 334 career digs.

When asked about her time at MCC, Pena Turbi said, "I have nothing but love for my coaches! I really appreciate how they helped me make better decisions on the court. I had a lot of fun in my time at MCC."

"Yanelis will be a great addition to the Union Bulldog team," commented MCC Head Volleyball Coach Chris Brees. "Starting in a 5-1 role in the Iowa Community College Athletic Conference (ICCAC) as a freshman is hard to do. She had to mature quickly as a setter and has a great blocking game. I think Union is the right size of school for Yanelis, and a great place to close out her collegiate career."

Katherine Acosta was a versatile player in her time at MCC. She played Outside, Middle and Right Side for the Tigers during her career. Acosta worked hard in the off season to become a six-rotation player, doubling her dig total from her freshman campaign. Acosta finished with 1.63 kills per set average, totaling 255 career kills with a kill efficiency over .200.

"I had friends at MCC before I came to college here but in my time, I have learned English and really grown my confidence on and off the court," commented Acosta. "I am very thankful for everything at MCC. My coaches and friends that I have made on and off the court. I'm looking forward to a new experience at Union."

"Katherine is just a joy to be around and has put a lot of work in the classroom also. Coach Wise will find that he got a real hidden gem with Acosta," commented Brees. "She hits with a real heavy arm from all spots on the court and has probably one of the best serves I have seen on a Tiger team since I have been here. I think Katherine hasn't even come close to capping out her court abilities. It will be exciting to see how she continues to grow at Union."

-30- 

Photo Caption: Back row Head Coach Chris Brees and Volunteer Assistant Coach Abby Redmond. Front Row from left to right Yanelis Pena Turbi and Katherine Acosta.