POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. – Marist women's lacrosse head coach Laura Campbell announced the addition of eight student athletes to her program for the upcoming school year. Seven will join the program as true freshmen, while one will join the Red Foxes as a junior transfer from Davidson.

Erin Betsch – Junior – Defense – Port Washington, N.Y.

Betsch joins the Red Foxes as a transfer from Davidson College where she played two years of women's lacrosse for the Wildcats. Last season she started all 16 games and totaled 21 ground balls and 19 draw controls, good for third on the team in each category. During her high school career she was named all-conference in 2005 and 2007, and was her team's unsung hero in 2006. She was a member of the National Honor Society, National Foreign Language Honor Society, Science Honor Society and Art Honor Society. She played five years of varsity soccer and two years of varsity basketball. Additionally, she played club lacrosse for the Long Island Liberty.

Campbell on Betsch: "I am glad that I no longer have to see Erin in another uniform. We faced her last year when she was with Davidson, and she showed me firsthand what a game changer she can be on defense. She is a real presence on the defensive end. Erin can clear the ball with her vision to pass or with her speed. She is going to be a great addition to our defense."

Ashley Casiano – Freshman – Goalkeeper – South Windsor, Conn.

Casiano was an all-conference selection in her senior season as she was a four-year letter winner in both lacrosse and basketball at South Windsor High School. After her junior season in lacrosse, she was selected to try out for the Lower New England team, where she made the first team. Casiano was a co-captain of her basketball team last season.

Campbell on Casiano: "Cash is a true competitor who demands the highest level of play from herself. Her attitude and drive are contagious. Her skills in between the pipes and her ability to be aggressive and leave the crease will provide an immediate spark on the defensive end. Her style of play will be the perfect complement to Alyssa Littin and together they should be an impressive tandem of keepers."

Jessica Irvine – Freshman – Defense – Hauppauge, N.Y.

Irvine, an Academic All-American, earned all-division honors her senior year in addition to the team's Defense Award. She was also named a U.S. Army Reserve Scholar Athlete award. She was a three-year member of the National Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society. She received the President's Award for Educational Excellence. She played three years of varsity soccer, ran two years of winter track and was a four-year member of the wind ensemble. Irvine also played club lacrosse with the Long Island Yellow Jackets.

Campbell on Irvine: "Jess is a fantastic midfielder. She has speed, smarts, and great stick skills. She is a very clean player and great decision maker. She can read the other team very well and adjust her defense accordingly. She will give other teams fits on defense and in the midfield."

Laura Lucchessi – Freshman – Defense – West Genesee, N.Y.

Lucchessi was named first team All-League and second team All-Central New York as a senior. Additionally, she was named the team's top defender at West Genesee High School. As a junior, she earned honorable mention all-league honors.

Campbell on Lucchessi: "Laura is a scrappy player with great speed. She has a lot of experience winning at West Genesee, and has often been recognized as the unsung hero of that success. She has received multiple accolades as a defender on the team, conference, and state level. Laura can shut people down with her midfield ride or in a settled defense."

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2009-07-22