BERKELEY, Calif. – California's Theresa Sherry signed six recruits to National Letters of Intent, the first-year head coach announced today. The class includes two high school All-Americans and only one signee from the East.

Cal's newest Golden Bears are Lauren Johnson (midfield, Englewood, Colo.), Allie Welsh (midfield, Englewood, Colo.), Tori Harrison (defense, Austin, Texas), Vail Horn (midfield, Bronxville, N.Y.), Tara Arolla (attack, Carlsbad, Calif.) and Melissa Sheehan (defense, Pleasanton, Calif.).

"I am very excited about the group of six student-athletes that will be joining the Cal lacrosse program as the class of 2012," Sherry said. "Each individual in this group stood out to us because of their athleticism, speed and work ethic. We are excited for them to step in and make an impact right away."

Arolla and Harrison are 2007 U.S. Lacrosse honorable mention high school All-Americans, while Sheehan is a 2007 U.S. Lacrosse academic All-American.

"Tori Harrison is a standout field hockey, basketball and lacrosse athlete out of St. Andrew's Episcopal School in Austin, Texas," Sherry added. "Her instincts from playing multiple sports as well as her strength from competing in weightlifting will be a great addition to our squad.

"Lauren Johnson's blazing speed and exceptional fitness level will add an important element to our midfield. Johnson's drive and passion for success will boost our team both on and off the field.

"Tara Arolla is one of the best players to come out of San Diego this year and will be a great addition to our attack. She is a great one-v.-one challenger and her superb vision will make her a good playmaker for us as well.

"We are very proud to bring Melissa Sheehan into our program as a local and product of the club teams that have been associated with Cal over the past few years. She truly grasps the value of being a Cal student-athlete and she will be a great contributor to our program both on and off the field. Her work ethic is unmatched and her athleticism will help her become a good match-up defender for our program.

"Vail Horn is our lone Easterner this year, which is different from the mostly Eastern recruiting classes of the past. We are excited to bring her aboard due to her speed, athleticism and game sense as a defensive midfielder. She played for one of the best all-time women's lacrosse players, Danielle Gallagher, on the Liberty Lacrosse club team out of Long Island.

"Allie Welsh is another Denver native who will help us as a midfield-attacker. She has a palpable passion for lacrosse and for Cal, and her stick skills and athletic intuition will be a great addition to our Cal team."

Cal opens the 2008 season when it hosts defending NCAA champion Northwestern on February 17 at Memorial Stadium.

California Lacrosse Signees
Tara Arolla – Attack, Carlsbad, Calif.
Tori Harrison – Defense, Austin, Texas
Vail Horn – Midfield, Bronxville, N.Y.
Lauren Johnson – Midfield, Englewood, Colo.
Melissa Sheehan – Defense, Pleasanton, Calif.
Allie Welsh – Midfield, Englewood, Colo.

2007-11-21