HUNTINGTON -- As Marshall's volleyball team prepares to fight for a Conference USA title this week, Marshall coach Mitch Jacobs is smiling.

That's because on Tuesday he announced a recruiting class that will keep the Thundering Herd in the hunt for many more C-USA titles.

Jacobs wasted no time in comparing this class to one that all Marshall volleyball fans will remember -- the Class of 2004.

"With that class, I knew Kelly-Anne (Billingy) and Steph (Cahill) would contribute, but I didn't know Jalicia (Ross) would be anything like she became and Maggie (Arias) and Uche (Ndubisi) were just solid all the way around," Jacobs said. "This is that type of class. It's that kind of talent, but I believe in the positions they play and the differences of talent they bring that this is going to be a really special group."

Headlining the class is Sacha Byous-McConnel, a 6-foot-2 outside hitter/middle blocker who was committed to Arizona before backing out and choosing to play for the Herd.

The comparisons to Billingy -- a three-time Conference USA Player of the Year and All-American -- have started already.

"I had someone say to me that we haven't had a recruit with that strong-looking body that young since Billingy," Jacobs said. "And it's true. She's 6-2 and she jumps well, moves well and plays well."

Kaitlin Holm will be another outside hitter/middle blocker for Jacobs' Class of 2010. Holm is an AAU All-American from Fort Myers, Fla., who gives the Herd some versatility and rotation options.

In addition to offensive punch, Jacobs added some defensive emphasis with the class as well. Middle blocker Desiree Wilkerson is an athlete with the speed to get side-to-side as needed.

She will join defensive specialists Dorothy Rahal (Venice, Fla.) and Laura Derr (Clarksville, Ind.). Both players helped lead their respective teams to the state semifinals while being fearless in one of volleyball's toughest spots.

"One of the things I have to worry about with Laura and Dorothy on the floor at the same time is the number of concussions we might end up with," Jacobs said.

Rounding out the class is Ripley's Lexy Kessel, who is a two-time MSAC Player of the Year recipient and all-state selection.

while also winning the Wendy's High School Heisman.

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