VESTAL, N.Y.- First-year Binghamton women's lacrosse head coach Tony Zostant has announced the signing of 10 student-athletes to national letters of intent to join the Bearcats beginning with the 2008-09 academic year.

"We are very excited about the incoming group and feel we have an outstanding first recruiting class," said Zostant. "These young ladies are all competitors with tremendous work ethic and passion for the game. The attack and midfielders have proven scoring ability and have the potential for creating many scoring opportunities. Defensively, we have acquired solid, mentally tough players with both stick skills and speed. We look forward to having these 10 athletes on campus next fall, not only making contributions on the field, but across the university and community as well," said Zostant.

Meg Brown is a three-sport athlete (volleyball, basketball, lacrosse) from Lindenhurst High School on Long Island. A 5-6 midfielder, Brown is a three-time all-league honoree and team captain.

"Meg has a great understanding of the game," said Zostant. "Her great field sense along with vision attribute to pin-point passes and well-placed shots. Meg's speed, hustle, and determination set her apart from others on the field."

Marie Cordaro is a 5-3 attacker from 2007 Class C State Champions Shoreham Wading River High School on Long Island. In her three seasons, the Shoreham squad has compiled a combined record of 54-9. Cordaro comes to Binghamton with a number of accolades. She is a Section XI All-Division and all-tournament honoree, US Lacrosse Academic All-American, as well as a three-time sportsmanship award winner.

"Marie will immediately prove to be a great asset coming off a state championship and from a very competitive team," said Zostant. "Her leadership and competitiveness is in line with our staff's philosophy. Marie is always a threat around the cage as a goal scorer and feeder, and she will challenge the best of defenders."

Caitlin Dowd, a 5-5 defender from Smithtown, N.Y., was an all-county pick last year and the most outstanding defender on her Hauppauge High School team. A versatile athlete she has earned letters in four varsity sports (lacrosse, volleyball, swimming, and winter track).

"Caitlin's speed, stick skills, and intensity raise the bar for our defensive unit," said Zostant. "Great footwork and anticipation allow her to dominate on ground balls, draw controls, and caused turnovers. Caitlin brings a wealth of experience having started every game since her freshman year."

Amanda Hughes is a 5-7 midfielder from Sachem North High School in Lake Ronkonkoma, N.Y. Hughes earned all-county, all-division, and all-tournament honors after scoring a team-leading 57 goals and adding 16 assists last year.

"Amanda will turn things up in the midfield for us with great dodging ability and an incredibly powerful shot," said Zostant. "Her decision making skills and vision will greatly impact our transition game and depth in the midfield."

Melissa Jaworski is a 5-8 attacker from Jamesville-DeWitt High School in Jamesville, N.Y. As a junior, Jaworski had 43 goals and 12 assists en route to earning first-team all-league and team offensive MVP honors. She earned second-team all-league honors as a sophomore, and received a honorable mention nod as a freshman.

"Melissa's all around versatility as a lacrosse player makes her a great utility player for our team," said Zostant. "With her strength and size she is not afraid of contact inside the 8m."

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2007-11-29