SIOUX FALLS, S.D. --- The Augustana University volleyball team received a Letter of Intent from three student-athletes on the opening day of the early signing period, head coach Jennifer Jacobs announced Wednesday night.

Avery Thorson, Kelsey Ruff and Grace Haberland have decided to continue their academic and athletic careers with the Vikings and will join the volleyball program for the start of the 2018 season.

Avery Thorson | Setter | Sioux Falls, S.D. | Harrisburg High School
As a four year starter and letterwinner, Avery Thorson helped guide the Harrisburg Tigers to a combined 76-21 record. The Tigers were the State AA Champions in South Dakota during Thorson's junior season, and the 5-9 setter had a lot to do with that. Thorson was named to the South Dakota AA All-State First Team and was elected to the ESD All-Conference team. She broke the high school set assist record and currently has over 2,000 career set assists. During her sophomore season, she again led the Tigers with 486 assists and was named to the ESD All-Conference team, All-State second team and to the State AA All-Tournament team. Currently the Tigers are 19-1 overall and have locked up the No. 1 seed in the state tournament. While at Augustana, Thorson plans to study Genetics.

Jacobs on Thorson: "Avery was committed verbally to Augustana before I became the head coach and that complete loyalty to the program is something to lift up and recognize. She is a phenomenal setter who will no doubt be an asset in our gym. I can't wait to train her."

Grace Haberland | Outside Hitter | Parker, Co. | Chaparral High School
During her senior campaign, Haberland led the Wolverines with 187 kills and helped them advance to the Colorado 5A State Championship, accumulating a 20-5 overall record and a 9-1 record in Colorado's most competitive conference. Haberland, a team captain, was named a "Player to Watch" by the Denver Post. She was an All-Conference honorable mention her junior year and was selected to the All-State Academic Team.  While at Augustana, she plans on majoring in Exercise Science/Athletic Training.

Jacobs on Haberland: "We are so excited for Grace to join our team. She is a dynamic outside hitter and it would not surprise me if she can compete at our level immediately. She is so competitive and will grind out points for us."

"Kudos for her recruitment goes to assistant coach Ellen Andrews as she developed the relationship with Grace last fall and remained in contact with her throughout the entire coaching change."

Kelsey Ruff | Libero/DS | Bettendorf, Iowa | Pleasant Valley High School
In her senior season with Pleasant Valley, Ruff's 261 digs and 27 aces helped the Spartans compile a 24-2 record and win the Mississippi Athletic Conference. A first team All-Conference selection, she was picked to participate in the Iowa All-Star game and the Iowa vs. Illinois All-Star game. During her junior season, Ruff finished with 352 digs, 52 aces and was named first team All-Conference and second team All-Metro. While at Augustana, Ruff plans on studying Biology with hopes to become either a distinguished physical therapist or physician's assistant.

Jacobs on Ruff: " Kelsey is a spit-fire ball of energy who is going to raise the level of defensive pursuit in our gym. She never lets a ball hit the floor and is relentless, we are lucky to have her."

The Vikings, who have clinched a spot on the NSIC Tournament, wrap up their regular season with a match on Friday with Minnesota Duluth followed by Saturday's match with St. Cloud State.