Albany, N.Y. -- University at Albany women's lacrosse coach Lindsey Hart announced today that three student-athletes have made commitments for the 2009-10 academic year. Jessica Antelmi, a midfielder from Bridgeport, N.Y. (Chittenango H.S.), Rachel Burek, a midfielder from Rensselaer, N.Y. (Columbia H.S.) and Kim Sandtorv, a goalkeeper from Centereach, N.Y. (Middle Country H.S.) will enroll as freshmen in the fall semester.

"We are very excited about welcoming this group of talented student-athletes," said Hart, who has guided the program to three consecutive America East Conference postseason tournament appearances. "They are a competitive group with a strong work ethic and are committed to being successful at the Division I level. Jess is an all-around natural athlete who has great speed and presence in the midfield. Kim is a solid goalkeeper who brings positive energy and communication to the defensive unit. Rachael has an innate ability to see the field and to anticipate both offensively and defensively."

Antelmi, a three-sport high school athlete, earned first-team All-Onondaga League Freedom Division recognition. She had 36 goals and nine assists as a senior and netted a season-best five goals against both LaFayette and Fulton. Antelmi, a Section III Scholar-Athlete, was chosen to the U.S. Lacrosse High School Academic All-America Team in 2008 and 2009. She also received honorable mention All-OHSL honors in basketball and had a celebrated tennis career.

Burek, a defensive midfielder on the scholastic level, was named to the Albany Times Union All-Area first team and Troy Record All-Area second team. She had 28 goals and nine assists, plus scored a season-high five goals against Bethlehem Central. Burek, who played for the Adirondack squad at the 2008 Empire State Games, was selected to this year's U.S. Lacrosse Academic All-America Team. Burek also played basketball for Columbia High and was a first-team All-Suburban Council field hockey standout.

Sandtorv comes from a lacrosse family as her brother is currently an Air Force defenseman and her older sister was a Stony Brook goalkeeper. Sandtorv, a confident player who is quick to the ball, totaled 109 saves as a senior in leading her team to a 10-7 record. She made seven saves in a 7-6 overtime win over Miller Place. Sandtorv, a three-year regular, stopped 13 shots as a junior against Copiague.

In 2009, UAlbany recorded its first winning campaign in nine years and posted the program's first victory over a national top-20 school.

2009-07-28