WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J.- Monmouth University head women's lacrosse coach Kelly Van Zile announced that Erica Abendschoen (West Caldwell, N.J./James Caldwell), Molly Burnett (Huntington, N.Y./Huntington), Caitlin Kelly (Mendham, N.J./West Morris Mendham), Olivia Salata (Broomall, Pa./Archbishop Carroll) and Lynn White (Deer Park, N.Y./Deer Park) have all signed National Letters of Intent to play for the Hawks beginning with the 2009 season.

"I am very excited to welcome these five student-athletes to Monmouth University and our lacrosse program as the class of 2012," said Van Zile. "These players have a lot to contribute and are valued additions to the Monmouth community."

Abendschoen comes to MU from James Caldwell High School, where she was a three-year starter at midfield. Abendschoen was a 2007 First Team All-Northern Hills Conference selection and earned Essex County honorable mention. She earned Second Team All-Conference as a sophomore and was a three year starter for the Cheifs' soccer team along with playing club lacrosse with Tri-State.

Burnett has starter every year on defense at Huntington High School, where she helped lead the Blue Devils to the Suffolk County finals as a sophomore and senior. Burnett, who competes for the Yellow Jackets in club play, is a member of the National Art Honors Society and was a Fall, Winter and Spring Scholar Athlete.

Van Zile brings in another midfielder in Kelly, who is a four-year starter at West Morris Mendham in New Jersey. In her junior season Kelly helped lead the Minutemen to the 2007 Group III State Championship, where the team advanced to the NJ State final. She is no stranger to success as West Morris Mendham have been Morris County Champions for three straight years, winning the 2006 North A State Championship in 2006. A member of the National Honors Society, Kelly is a four-year starter and captain on West Morris Mendham's soccer team as well. She plays club lacrosse with the Steps.

Salata is the lone member of the attack in the five newcomers, starting every year for Archbishop Carroll in Pennsylvania. The Broomall, Pa., native earned Second Team All-Delaware County last season. As a sophomore, Salata earned Delaware County honorable mention and Second Team All-Philadelphia Catholic League. The National Honors Society member was also a first team all-conference and all-county selection in tennis and is a member of the Phantastix club lacrosse squad.

White will bolster MU's defense after starting in the back for Deer Park High School's lax squad for four seasons, serving as captain for two of them. White earned team MVP honors as a junior, a year in which she also earned all-county honors. The all-conference selection in soccer also is a member of the National Honors society and is active in student government. White is a teammate of Burnett on the Yellow Jackets club team.

Monmouth won the NEC Championship for the second straight year in 2007, while setting program records for goals, assists, points and wins. Van Zile brought in nine freshmen in 2007 to compliment 14 returners as the Hawks look for a bid to the NCAA Tournament for the third consecutive year.

2007-12-05