CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – Virginia men's lacrosse coach Dom Starsia is pleased to announce the signing of nine student-athletes to national letters of intent to play lacrosse at UVa beginning with the 2009-10 academic year.

Joining the Cavaliers next fall are: Connor English (Manhasset HS, Manhasset, N.Y.), Jacob Ghitelman (Cold Spring Harbor HS, Syosset, N.Y.), Chris Landon (St. Albans School, Chevy Chase, Md.), Chris LaPierre (Shawnee HS, Medford, N.J.), Howie Long (St. Anne's-Belfield School, Ivy, Va.), Nick O'Reilly (South Side HS, Rockville Centre, N.Y.), Harry Prevas (Gilman School, Towson, Md.), Blake Riley (Governor's Academy, South Hamilton, Mass.), and Matt White (Ridgefield HS, Ridgefield, Conn.).

"We are very proud to announce the names of the nine young men who have signed national letters of intent," said Starsia. "This is a group of skilled, multi-sport athletes who will be outstanding members of our University and lacrosse program. Watch for a number of these candidates to impact the program early in their undergraduate careers. This group reflects the caliber of student-athlete required to reach our annual championship goals. Fans of Virginia lacrosse will enjoy getting to know a great group of guys!"

English is a 5-foot-9, 175-pound attackman from Manhasset, N.Y. He earned high school All-America honors and was named Nassau County Co-Attackman of the Year last season after scoring 53 goals and adding 18 assists. He has played on the Long Island team in the Empire State games the last two years.

"Connor is a dynamic lefthanded attackman who will compete for playing time immediately," Starsia commented. "He has good speed, great energy and is a relentless rider."

Ghitelman is a 6-foot-1, 195-pound midfielder from Syosset, N.Y. The younger brother of current UVa goalie, Adam Ghitelman, he led his team to a county championship last spring after scoring five goals in the title game. Ghitelman played on the Long Island team in the Empire State games and was a football standout at Cold Spring Harbor HS. He is currently attending Deerfield Academy in Massachusetts where he plays football and lacrosse.

"Jacob is a powerful athlete who can compete at both ends of the field," noted Starsia. "His performance in the 2008 Nassau County Championship game was stunning."

Landon is a 5-foot-11, 175-pound defenseman from Chevy Chase, Md. He earned honorable mention Washington Post All-Met honors last spring and was an Under Armour All-Star selection. A starter for his team since his freshman season, he also plays running back and defensive back on the St. Albans' football team.

"Chris is an aggressive, high energy defender," Starsia said. "He really came on late in the 2008 spring and was consistently impressive throughout the summer."

LaPierre is a 6-foot-2, 215-pound midfielder from Medford, N.J. He scored 63 goals and passed for 36 assists last spring and earned All-America honors last spring. LaPierre is also one of the top football players in South Jersey. He has rushed for more than 4000 yards in his career, including more than 1000 this season as his team is ranked No. 1 in the polls heading into the state playoffs.

"'Shocker' will be one of the more impressive athletes overall in this incoming class," Starsia added. "With over 4,000 career yards rushing on one of the top HS football teams in New Jersey, his decision to choose Virginia lacrosse over college football was a thoughtful one. He will be a force in our game."

Long is a 6-foot, 195-pound defenseman from Ivy, Va. He was a high school All-American defenseman last spring and helped lead St. Anne's-Belfield to a state championship last spring. He also was a three-year starter at quarterback on the school's football team and led it to two state titles.

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2008-11-20