May 29, 2008

FAIRFIELD, CT - Head Coach Dr. Tom Vrabel announced today the commitment of Niamh Moynagh (Demarest, NJ) and Alexandra Stamateris (Califon, NJ) to the Pioneer womens fencing team for the 2008-09 season.

"We are very happy that these two women from top New Jersey High School programs are coming to Sacred Heart this fall" comments coach Vrabel. "They both have excellent opportunities to make significant contributions as freshmen".

Niamh Moynagh is a 5'9" saber fencer from Academy of the Holy Angels. She holds a D08 USFA rating and was the saber captain at Holy Angels this past season, leading her squad to a third-place finish at the New Jersey State High School Championships. She was also made 2nd team all league this past season. Niamh will be joining her former teammate at Holy Angels Krista Bacci on the Pioneer saber squad.

"I remember two years ago that we were excited about having another D rated saber fencer from Holy Angels (Bacci) join the SHU team," said Vrabel. "Since then, Krista has become our team captain, has twice been a NEIWFC first team all-league selection, and last season represented SHU as the first Pioneer saber fencer to qualify to the NCAA fencing Championships. We hope that Niamh will be able to have similar success as a Pioneer".

Also joining the program will be Alexandra Stamateris. Alex, a 5'4" epee specialist, was a four-year starter at Ridge High School. She was the team's epee captain in her senior year and placed seventh at the New Jersey District 1 championship.

"Alex is a great addition to our team and I am very impressed by her positive attitude and team spirit," said Vrabel. "Recruiting can be like Forrest Gump's 'box of chocolates' as we are now blessed with great depth at epee but are challenged by a short foil squad going in to this season. As a result, I have asked Alex to move to foil this season and she has eagerly embraced this opportunity. With her athleticism and quickness, I look for her to make a major impact for us in foil this season."

"I am very happy with not only the athletes that we now have on the team but in their commitment to the teamwork that will be required to have us improve from our 12-15 record this past year," comments Vrabel.

"I just can't say enough about the attitudes and dedication of the women on the team this season," continues Vrabel. Our epee squad is due to have a breakout year and the addition of Amanda Green gives us an A strip fencer as good as anyone in the conference. Moynagh is a great addition to saber and I expect Bacci, Perlee and Cronin to continue to improve."

The team will kick off their season in October with the SHU Red-White Scrimmage and the Big One individual collegiate tournament on November 1.