July 3, 2007

FAIRFIELD, CT - Sacred Heart women's soccer coach Kim Banner today expects ten newcomers when the Pioneers come to campus in mid August for pre-season training. The new crop has a heavy New England/New York flavor and also includes a transfer.

The recruiting class includes a pair of players from Connecticut in Jasmine Rodriguez from Clinton, and Lindsay Elliott from Orange. Rodriguez, a fast and aggressive defender, played for the Oakwood premier team and the Connecticut Olympic Development program. Elliott, a midfielder, played for South Central Premier and coach Banner expects her to contribute to the Pioneer attack.

Brittani Cookinham from Tiverton, RI will also be looked to for some scoring punch. She played for the RI Rays and was also a member of the Rhode Island ODP.

Another New Englander joining the Pioneers will be Alexandra Mack from Freeport, Maine. A midfielder, she played for Odyssey Sport and is also a former member of the Maine ODP.

"Alex is a skilled and well rounded player and I really think she'll help shore up our midfield,"says Banner.

Liz Eastman, a forward from Laconia, New Hampshire, is the final New England product coming to Fairfield this fall. She played for Seacoast premier team most recently.

Coach Banner has four New York players coming in the fall, led by sophomore transfer Toni Interrant. Interrant, from Smithtown, NY, comes to Sacred Heart from Charleston Southern University. She had a goal and an assist for CS last season in 16 games as a defender, making 15 starts.

"Toni is a very smart player," says Banner. "With her strength and quickness, she will definitely help us on the back line."

Meghan Reichelt, a goalkeeper from Selden, NY, will join three returning veterans in a battle for playing time. She has experience playing for the Sound Beach VS Fire United Premier, and Banner expects Reichelt to be an impact player.

The other two New York players are Michelle Raaf, a midfielder from Neponsit and Erin Kelley, a forward from Syossett. Raaf was a teammate of Reichelt on Sound Beach VS Fire United, while Kelley played for the Rockville Centre Royals.

"Michelle's technical ability will strengthen the attacking force for us this year," says Banner. "I also expect Erin to be a big help up front, as well."

Rounding out the recruiting class is Leigh Dogmanits from Walnutport, PA. She can play either midfield or forward. She has most recently played for the Spirit United Gaels, who were national premier finalists this year. She was also a member of the Pennsylvania ODP that won the national championship.

"Leigh is a technical player," says Banner. "She has great vision and speed and will be a strong force in the attack."