DAVIS, Calif. -- A total of nine prospective student-athletes representing five states signed National Letters of Intent (NLI) during the 2008-2009 academic year, committing themselves to UC Davis women's lacrosse, it was announced by head coach Elaine Jones. Alphabetically, the signing class comprises Tess Alekna of Dover, Mass.; Casey Bowles of Danville, Calif., Molly Carstensen of Littleton, Colo.; Kellie Considine of Wantagh, N.Y., Elizabeth Datino of Littleton, Colo.; Anna Geissbuhler of Worthington, Ohio; Stephanie Guercio of Ronkonkoma, N.Y., Natasha Markham of Coto de Caza, Calif. and Hannah Mirza of Mill Valley, Calif.

Other than Considine, who is a sophomore at Mira Costa College, all prospects are seniors at their respective high schools and are expected to enroll at UC Davis in the fall of 2009.

"We're very excited to welcome these talented student-athletes to our team next year," said Jones. "Every one of them brings speed, a competitive attitude, a great work ethic, and most importantly, the desire and enthusiasm to compete for UC Davis. "

As we continue to build our program, we feel this group will be a great fit with our returning players, and will have an immediate positive impact for our team both on the field and in the classroom."

Alekna earned second-team All-Tri-Valley League honors as a sophomore, then added first-team distinction in her junior season at Dover-Sherborn High School in Dover, Mass. She scored 39 goals in each of the last two seasons, amassing a total of 35 assists in that span. Alekna also garnered all-league accolades in soccer, while helping her ski team capture the small-school state championship. She is also active in student government, serving as class vice president for three years.

Bowles, team captain of her San Ramon Valley High School squad, is a defensive midfielder who scored 23 goals with six assists to earn team MVP honors as a junior in 2008. She also plays for Triple Threat Lacrosse, helping the club advance to the Mid-Atlantic Region title game last fall. Bowles also has claimed Scholar-Athlete distinction from her school and the North Coast Section for the past three years.

Carstensen enjoyed a breakout season for J.K. Mullen High School in 2008, earning team MVP and first-team All-Centennial League honors. She scored 35 goals and 31 assists, ranking second in the state in the latter category. Carstensen previously captured second-team all-conference distinction as a sophomore, totaling 30 goals and 13 assists in her first two years. She also played for the Mountain Region team at the U.S. Lacrosse national tournament. An outstanding student, Carstensen earned academic all-state, all-conference and U.S. Lacrosse All-Academic awards.

Considine played all 19 games and started three as a freshman at Marist in 2008. She scored 15 goals with four assists, while picking up 12 ground balls and 13 draw controls, helping the Red Foxes qualify for an NCAA tournament play-in game. As a senior at Wantagh High School, Considine earned three All-Nassau County honors plus All-America honorable mention in 2007, during which she set a school scoring record. She also was selected as the school's Most Outstanding Athlete in her final two years, lettering in lacrosse, soccer and track.

Datino scored 65 goals as a junior at Heritage/Littleton High School, a total good for second in the Continental League last season. She captured All-Continental League honors in each of the past two seasons, while adding all-state and Best Offensive Player acclaim in 2008. Her individual contributions also translated to team success, as she helped the Gryphons post a 16-3 record and a berth in the Colorado state title game that year.

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2009-05-05