For Immediate Release: November 28, 2007
Contact: Anthony G. Naglieri (sports@binghamton.edu)

Women's lacrosse welcomes 10 student athletes for 2008-09

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."

Lauren Lukefahr, a 5-6 defender, comes to Binghamton from a strong high school program in Corning, N.Y. Off the field, she is one of three incoming Bearcats to have earned US Lacrosse Academic All-American honors.

"Lukefahr brings a great deal of experience having competed in the NY State Empire Games and for a Corning East HS team that has produced a 36-3 record over the last two seasons. Her speed and hustle will be a welcome addition and will immediately add depth to the Bearcat defense." said Zostant.

Riley Newman is a 5-9 midfielder and senior captain hailing from Ithaca, N.Y. Newman earned all-conference, all-division, and first team section IV honors after finishing with 35 goals and 20 assists for her Ithaca High School squad last season.

"Riley was built for running midfield as she has excellent speed and agility," said Zostant. "Her height, athleticism, and aggressiveness will bring an added dimension to the midfield. Riley plays with passion and intensity to the last whistle."

Samantha Prag is a 5-7 midfielder from Smithtown High School West on Long Island. A two-sport athlete (lacrosse and soccer), Prag players club ball with the Long Island Express team.

"Sam is a fierce competitor who makes her presence known on the field," said Zostant. "She is solid in every aspect of the game and challenges teammates around her to elevate their level of play."

Leah Smith, a 5-5 attacker/midfielder from Holbrook, N.Y., earned honorable mention All-Suffolk County honors after scoring 41 goals and finishing with 18 assists last year as a junior. Smith has also lettered in field hockey and basketball while at Sachem High School East.

"Leah is especially adept in the draw control circle," said Zostant. "She has excellent vision and passing skills along with a passion for the game. She will undoubtedly bring a competitive attitude to the team."

Emily Thon is a 5-7 midfielder and team captain from a strong Penfield HS program in upstate New York. She earned US Lacrosse All-American honors after producing 62 goals and 43 assists as her team went 19-2 and reached the New York State Semifinals last season. She was selected all-county and All-Greater Rochester, and completes the incoming trio of athletes to earn US Lacrosse Academic All-American status.

"Emily is a quality student-athlete that is extremely accomplished both on and off the field," said Zostant. "Her size, speed, and vision contribute to her uncanny ability to feed or finish. Emily possesses all the tools to make an immediate impact."

Binghamton will celebrate the seventh season of intercollegiate women's lacrosse when they open their 16-game slate on Sunday, February 17 in Williamsburg, Va., against William and Mary.