By Nicholas Huenefeld/Owens Sports Information

Toledo, Ohio---Erika Hartings (Coldwater/Coldwater, Ohio), a sophomore outside hitter for the No. 9 Owens Community College women's volleyball team, has signed a letter of intent to play for Francis Marion University next year.

"Francis Marion has had great success in volleyball, and I will be playing with a great group of girls the next two years," Hartings said of her decision. "I have always dreamed of going down south for volleyball and my dream has come true. I can't wait for next fall."

As a sophomore, Hartings has been a crucial piece to a team that captured an Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) regular season championship before winning the Region XII District F championship this past weekend. She will help lead Owens (37-5 overall) in its quest for a national championship as the team will compete in the National Junior College Athletic Conference (NJCAA) Division II National Tournament in Phoenix, Ariz. Nov. 19-21.

Hartings has produced 426 kills, 23 aces, 122 digs and 79 blocks (36 solo) as a sophomore. In her two-year career, she has totaled 966 kills, 34 aces, 13 assists, 246 digs and 168 blocks (62 solo) entering the national tournament.

Furthermore, Hartings is a two-time First Team All-Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) and Region XII selection. As a freshman, she was named to the Region XII District E All-Tournament team.

Prior to Owens, Hartings was a four-year starter at Coldwater High School, where she was a First Team All-Midwest Athletic Conference selection.

Francis Marion is an NCAA Division II school located in Florence, South Carolina. The team competes in the Peach Belt Conference. They are currently 14-12 overall and have a few games remaining in their regular season.