LA JOLLA, Calif. - The UC San Diego women's volleyball program is pleased to report that high school senior Makensie Bates has signed a National Letter of Intent to play for the Tritons beginning in 2013. The announcement was made Tuesday by UCSD head coach Ricci Luyties.

A 5'11" outside hitter from Coto de Caza in Orange County, Bates recently wrapped up her career at Tesoro High School.

"Makensie is a double-double waiting to happen," said Luyties. "She can attack all areas of the court, passes well and plays good defense. She will be a great addition to the team."

As a senior co-captain in 2012, Bates helped lead Tesoro to a 28-5 overall record and a trip to the CIF Southern Section 1AA semifinals, the best ever finish for the program. In the postseason, the Titans defeated Chaparral, Santa Margarita and Long Beach Poly before falling to Marymount in the semis.

Also in 2012, Tesoro placed third at the Dave Mohs Invitational and second at the Capistrano Valley High School Cougar Classic, where Bates was selected to the all-tournament team.

Bates, listed as one of High School Illustrated magazine's "Top 12 Players to Watch in 2012," was named First Team All-South Coast League and honored as a Tesoro Scholar-Athlete.

As a junior, Bates was an All-CIF performer and a First Team All-Sea View League pick.

At the club level, Bates played with Tstreet out of Irvine.

Off the court, Bates was a member of Lion's Heart, a community service organization for teens.

UCSD finished its 2012 season with a 20-11 overall record. The Tritons qualified for postseason play for the seventh consecutive season and traveled to Hawaii to compete at the NCAA Division II West Regional.

-- UCSDtritons.com --