(Peru, Neb.) – Sarah Mertens
(Lincoln) is the latest to sign to play volleyball as a member of the Peru State Bobcat volleyball team.
Mertens, a high school standout at Parkview Christian High School in Lincoln, will be transferring to Peru State from Kansas City Community College (KCKCC) in Kansas City, Kan. As a member of the Blue Devils squad, Mertens and her teammates compiled a 32-7 record during the 2012 season. This included a trip to the National Junior College Athletic Association championship played in Toledo, Ohio. KCKCC finished sixth at the tournament, losing to Central Community College from Columbus, Neb.
This past season, Mertens played in 35 matches and had 278 kills, 2.24 kills per set. Mertens added 24 service aces, 335 digs, and 77 blocks – seven that were solo.
In the fall of 2011, Mertens played in 38 matches and had 310 kills, 2.56 per set. In addition, Mertens added 14 service aces, 288 digs, and 39.5 blocks.
At Parkview Christian, Mertens had a standout career. In volleyball, Mertens was named to the
Lincoln Journal Star D-2 All-State First Team as a senior while earning second team recognition in the
Omaha World-Herald. Mertens also received various conference and tournament honors throughout her volleyball career.
In addition, Mertens participated in both basketball and track. During one of her track seasons, Mertens finished in eighth in the high jump.
Mertens plans to seek an English Education major with a coaching endorsement while attending Peru State.
Her parents are Michael and Michelle Mertens. Her mother was a former Husker volleyball standout having played for Nebraska from 1982-85.
Bobcat head coach Melvin Balogh is happy with the addition of Mertens to his team. Balogh said, “We are very pleased to add a quality student-athlete with Sarah's signing. Sarah will add some much-needed depth on the outside. In addition, Sarah is an excellent student, too, having been named to KCKCC's Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.”
For the Bobcats, they will have ten new players joining the eight returners when they begin fall camp in August. Peru State will look to improve upon their 10-23 record from the fall of 2012.
