THIS YEAR: Has all the tools to be great right-side player … Coming off great freshman year … Expected to improve as sophomore.

2007: Appeared in 107 games … Fourth on team with 256 kills … Also came up with 44 digs and 57 blocks … Reached double-figure kills eight times … Set season-high with 15 kills against Westmont (9/25) … Notched 13 kills against Biola (10/30) ... Posted five blocks against Fresno Pacific (10/6) and Madonna (11/28) … Dug out four attacks three times.

OTHER SCHOOLS: Attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 2005-06, but redshirted due to injury.

HIGH SCHOOL: Earned three varsity letters at Fountain Valley High School, graduating in 2006 … Two-time All-Sunset League selection, including first-team consideration as a senior … Earned two team MVP awards … Played seven years of club … Named to honor roll all four years.

PERSONAL: Born July 3, 1988 in Newport Beach to Tim and Cindy Ridens ... Has two brothers (Steven Merrick, 31, and Cody Ridens, 16) … Favorite sports team is the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim ... Enjoys going to the beach, playing beach volleyball, shopping and spending time with friends and family.