Philadelphia, PA – The La Salle lacrosse team announced the signing of eight high school prospects to National Letters of Intent and will join the program in the fall of 2009.

"We are extremely excited about the class we have assembled for the 2009-2010 season," said head coach Candace Taglianetti. "This class will be my first recruiting class at La Salle and we feel that this group will add height, athleticism, speed and scoring prowess to further enhance the foundation we have here."

Among the eight signees, two teammates apiece are from Archbishop Carroll and Marple Newtown, while two others are from the Pennsylvania area. The class includes Lauren Chatham, Lauren McDermott, Audrey Metzger-Bailey, Jackie Roebuck, Amanda Salata, Melanie Sarcinello, Cara Wood and Ryan Yankowich.

Lauren Chatham, who recently moved to Jarrettsville, MD, was the top scorer in the state of Wisconsin, and was also named All-State. The four-year varsity letterwinner amassed 189 points in two years (126 goals, 63 assists) which included scoring 64 in 2008.

A resident of Harleysville, PA, McDermott, like Chatham, was a four-year varsity letterwinner, and was also a three-time All-League selection. In 2008, she totaled 86 goals, 23 assists and 62 draw controls. McDermott was a nominee for Conference Player of the Year.

Audrey Metzger-Bailey comes to La Salle after completing her high school career at West Chester East. The All-Conference Honorable Mention, who was a member of the National Honors Society, was given the Team Heart Award in 2008. Metzger-Bailey brings a winning mentality to La Salle after contributing to the PIAA District I Championship and the Chestmont League Championship.

Jackie Roebuck has been awarded numerous accolades over her lacrosse career all of which includes team MVP and captain; she was a two-time All-Delaware County and two-time All-Conference selection and an Academic All-American. In 2008 Roebuck tallied 78 goals, 46 assists to equal 124 points. In her sophomore season, Roebuck scored 35 goals, 35 assists to total 70 points. Jackie has accumulated over 230 total career points with 138 goals, 93 assists. Aside from lacrosse, the Broomall, PA native was named All-Conference in soccer.

The first teammate from Archbishop Carroll, Amanda Salata, tallied 29 points in 2008. The Honorable Mention All-Delaware County selection in tennis, and was a two-year starter at low attack.

Melanie Sarcinello, who is a teammate of Jackie Roebuck, totaled 77 goals, 32 assists, 71 draw controls and 77 ground balls in 2008. The Academic All-American was a two-year team MVP and was also a three-time All-Delaware County selection and a two-time All-Central League selection.

Cara Wood comes to La Salle from Shaker Heights, OH. In 2008, Wood compiled 67 points (51 goals, 16 assists) and while attending the Laurel School, she was honored as an All-Region selection and was a team captain.

The second member from Archbishop Carroll, Ryan Yankowich will join her teammate Amanda Salata at La Salle next year. The varsity starter scored 20 goals in 2008 and also contributed six assists and 17 ground balls.

2008-12-15