PHILADELPHIA, PA - The La Salle atheltic department along with head field hockey coach Sarah Catlin announced the signing of six freshman for the 2005 season.

 

The recent signing day for field hockey resulted in huge gains for the La Salle program. This class is the largest of Coach Catlin's four classes, and quite possibly the most talented.  With the current team losing 7 starters or key reserves to graduation, this crew will be expected to contribute heavily next fall.

 

"I looked for players I felt had the physical and mental maturity to step on the field immediately. We have a program that is on the move, and I expect this class to carry some responsibility in our progression at a very early point in the season. We have starting jobs open at every conceivable spot on the field. Playing time will be there for anyone who really wants it.", explained Coach Catlin.

 

The team's 2004 leader in points, captain Sara Camilli will join Coach Catlin on the sideline as an assistant coach in 2005. However, the team will still have a Sara from Neshaminy in Blue and Gold this fall. Sara Pettia joins the Explorers after completing a highly successful high school campaign with perennial power Neshaminy High School.  A 4-year starter, Pettia has garnered honors including All-State, All-League, and All-Area awards. Team captain this past season, Pettia has proved to be representative of the best Pennsylvania has to offer as a three-year Keystone State Game participant. An Honor Roll student, look for Pettia to play early and often on the defensive or midfield lines, as well as use her powerful hit with the penalty corner unit. 

 

Joining the Neshaminy connection is fellow stand-out Diana Wurst. A four-year letter winner, Wurst also received first team All-State in 2004.  A fellow team captain, Wurst joins Pettia on the list of All-League players out of the very competitive Suburban One League.  Wurst has extensive experience, playing in the Keystone State games, the Festival, and the National Indoor tournament. Look for her to challenge for time in the midfield, and take her spot among the penalty stroke team, perhaps even the top ranking in this pressure position.

 

The local flavor of this class continues with Haverford High School standout Christy Miller.  A member of the National Honor Society and achieving high honors every semester, Miller looks to help continue the academic excellence of the La Salle field hockey program. However, don't expect her grades to be the only high numbers attached to her name. Miller led her team in goals for the past three seasons, and was often ranked among the league leaders. As the 2004 team captain, she has amassed 40 goals over the last three years, tying her career high as a marked player this past season with 15.  A three sport athlete, Miller received first team honors from News of Delaware, Mainline Times, All-Central League, and All-Delco this past fall. Look for Miller to compete for a spot on the forward line from day one.

 

Rounding out the Philly flavor is goalkeeper Sam Dunn from the Country Day School of the Sacred Heart.  This past season, Dunn had a save percentage of 85% along with 159 saves.  She has traveled with her high school team to the National Field Hockey Festival for the past three seasons. In 2003 her team took home top honors in their pool. This past year, the team posted a second place finish, despite Dunn giving up only three goals over the three day tournament. A quick keeper with a love for the game, Dunn will round out the goalkeeping unit, joining current first year goalie Ellen Axelsen.  Graduating senior and A-10 standout Colleen Bolger will assume the duties of goalkeeper coach for the Explorers this fall.

 

The only out- of- state player signed so far for the class of 2009 hails from Maryland. Whitney Madron was a four year letter winner from Rising Sun High School.  An honorable mention All-State player, Madron was part of the State Championship Teams her sophomore and junior season. Winning the team's offensive award this past season, Madron will look to challenge for a starting roll in either the midfield or front line.  Madron has developed exceptional all around skill competing year -round with her club team Rising Sun Ratdogs. Additionally Madron has competed in the National Futures Tournament as well as officiated and coached the junior girls club program in her area. A three-year member of the National Honor Society, Madron should fit right into the work hard play, hard mentality of Explorer field hockey.

 

Last, but certainly not least, is Jess Menge from Twin Valley.  Menge is a honor roll student from powerhouse Twin Valley High School.  An exceptional defender/midfielder, Menge competes year round with her club team, High Styx, in numerous tournaments including the National Indoor Tournament and the National Field Hockey Festival.  In 2003 Menge was an All-Division player, and a participant in both the winter and summer Keystone Games.  This past summer Menge suffered an ACL injury and missed her senior season.  Still, Menge was voted team captain for the 2004 season and has returned to the field this winter with her club team.  Menge will look to fill one of several open holes in the backfield.

 

Catlin expects the class of 2009 to swell to 8-9 players by the end of the month. However, she feels her 2005 squad has rounded itself out quite nicely with this bunch.