Moon Township, Pa. - October 23, 2009 - Sixth-year head coach Katy Phillips announced the addition of five athletes to the 2009-2010 roster. Everyone in this year's recruiting class either hails from Maryland or Pennsylvania and consists of one attacker, two defenders, one midfielder and one goalie.

This group of five athletes will join a veteran squad of three attackers, five defenders, five midfielders and two goalies. The 2010 women's lacrosse season kicks off on Friday, February 19, when the team heads to Annapolis, Md. to take on Navy. They open on their home season the following week on Sunday, February 28 against Bucknell.

2009-2010 National Letter of Intent Signees

Name               Pos.  Yr.  Hometown/Previous Team
Holly Webb          M    Fr.  Abingdon, Md./John Carroll
Angelina Gasparo    G    Fr.  Philadelphia, Pa./Nazareth Academy
Tara Southworth     D    Fr.  Westminster, Md./Westminster
Samantha Nemec      D    Fr.  Glen Arm, Md./Notre Dame Preparatory
Rachel Engel        A    Fr.  Pittsburgh, Pa./Upper St. Clair>

Holly Webb - Lettered in both field hockey and lacrosse while attending John Carroll high school ... Guided her team to an undefeated 18-0 record and an IAAM "A" Conference Championship in 2008 ... In 2008 her team was ranked #1 in the nation by LaxPower.com ... Played for North East Maryland Select Lacrosse club team.

"Holly is a great athlete who has tremendous on-ball defense, as well as an uncanny ability to handle the ball on attack," said Phillips.

Angelina Gasparo - Competed on the varsity lacrosse team all four years of her prep career ... During her sophomore, junior and senior seasons was named captain of her team, MVP and was named an all-star.

"Angie has a great work ethic," said Phillips. "We will look to her to add some depth to the goalie position."

Tara Southworth - Was a four-sport athlete while attending Westminster high, participating in lacrosse, field hockey, soccer and basketball ... In 2008 she was named to the national lacrosse team.

"Tara is a tremendous all around defender," said Phillips. "Her footwork and speed will also help us in the midfield. Despite only being a freshman, Tara will bring great leadership to our defensive unit."

Samantha Nemec - Played lacrosse at Notre Dame Preparatory and also played for Rome Lacrosse Club.

"Sam, as true low defender is poised in our team defense and we will look for her to play some important minutes this year," said Phillips.

Rachel Engel - Named an All-American in 2009 ... Also earned All-WPIAL and all-section honors in both 2008 and 2009 and was the team captain in 2009 ... Competed in both lacrosse and soccer during her prep career ... Helped guide her team to a runner-up WPIAL finish in her senior year.

"Rachel is one of the best local players in her class and is an extremely crafty and skilled attacker with tremendous hands," said Phillips. "She will be looked upon to make an immediate impact."

2009-10-23