HICKORY, N.C. — A pair of Catawba County products are joining the Catawba Valley Community College volleyball program.

Fred T. Foard's Jayln Rice and St. Stephens' Madison Bolch will play volleyball at CVCC next fall after a pair of signing ceremonies held at their respective schools on Tuesday.

CVCC head volleyball coach Shannon Hudson is excited about the additions of Rice and Bolch.

"What an awesome day for Red Hawks volleyball," Hudson said. "We were privileged to sign two very talented local players, and I am looking forward to having both Jayln and Madison on our roster this fall. Both players are going to be able to get a jump-start with the program by practicing and competing with our team this spring. They are super coachable and hard workers who know what it takes to compete at our level."

Rice, a middle blocker, helped guide the Tigers to a 20-9 season on the volleyball court this past fall, including a 10-2 mark in Northwestern 3A/4A play. She also helped Foard reach the 2A West Region finals.

At CVCC, Rice will be reunited with former Foard teammate Adair Melton, who just completed her first collegiate volleyball season with the Red Hawks.

"Jayln is a quick, aggressive and smart middle who has been around our camps and program for several years, so our offense is a natural fit for her," Hudson said.

A 5-foot-8 outside hitter and defensive specialist, Bolch tallied 127 kills and a .288 hitting percentage during her final volleyball season at St. Stephens.

She also registered 186 digs, 40 aces and 17 blocks, guiding the Indians to a 15-9 overall record and 9-5 mark in Northwestern 3A/4A play.

"Madison is no stranger to the Tarlton Complex and will bring consistent ball control and versatility to the team," Hudson said.

Rice and Bolch join a growing list of recruits in the 2018 class for the Red Hawks, including Alexander Central's Kelsea DeJarnette and Chesney Millsaps, West Stokes' Rachel Delcamp and Abigail Gordon and First Assembly Christian's Anna Clarke.