Valencia’s Smerko Has Signed to Play Volleyball at UC Irvine

Brandy Smerko, a Valencia High volleyball player, has signed a letter of intent with UC Irvine, Anteater Coach Mike Puritz announced Monday.

Smerko, 5 feet 10, was a first team all-Southern Section selection last season and was the Orange League MVP. She was a Times’ all-Orange County honorable mention pick as a senior.

A middle blocker in high school, Smerko will switch to outside hitter in college.

“The addition of Brandy allows us to get one step closer to the top teams in the Big West,” Puritz said. “Her size, strength and athleticism puts her in the elite category.”

Sean Novak, a Santa Margarita soccer player, has signed a letter of intent with St. Louis University.

Novak, a sweeper, was a coaches’ all-Orange County and an all-Sea View League selection. He plans to study fine arts.

Brea-Olinda softball players Andrea Schutte and Samantha Cardenas have made college commitments for next season. Schutte said she will play at Hawaii Hilo; Cardenas plans to attend Massachusetts.

Schutte, a pitcher, and Cardenas, a shortstop, plan to sign with the schools April 1.