Hightower, Kaufman added to Gold Nuggets' roster
August 19, 2010

     NEW ORLEANS — Two more student-athletes have joined the Xavier University of Louisiana women's volleyball program for the 2010 season.
     The newcomers are Patrice Hightower, a 5-foot-5 setter from New Orleans, and Kia Kaufman, a 5-6 setter/defensive specialist from Denver. Both will be juniors on the XU roster.
     Hightower, a graduate of Louise S. McGehee School, will begin her fourth semester at XU after transferring from Vanderbilt. She was a three-year varsity starter who helped McGehee win Division IV state championships in 2003 and 2004, finish second in 2006 and reach the semifinals in 2007. Her McGehee career totals included 250 kills, 208 aces and 1,206 digs.
     Kaufman is a transfer from NCAA Division II member Colorado State Pueblo. She was second-team All-Continental League for Rock Canyon High School in 2006 and 2007.
     NOTES:  The Gold Nuggets, who began preseason drills Aug. 12, have 11 players on their roster . . . They'll open the season August 28 at The Barn with a 3 p.m. match against Belhaven and a 7 p.m. match against NCAA Division I Alabama State . . . Xavier is bringing back intercollegiate volleyball this season after a five-year absence . . . Coach Al'lisa Hale said that setter/outside hitter Dayane Souza, announced in July as one of the Nuggets' first 10 newcomers, decided not to enroll at Xavier.