Jan. 16, 2006

First year Duquesne University head women's lacrosse coach Mike Scerbo has inked seven recruits for the 2007 season. Joining the Dukes next season signing National Letters of Intent are Sarah Carson (Catonsville, Md./Institute of Notre Dame); Sarah Cates (Columbia, Md./Mt. Hebron); Janna Faulkner (Ellicott City, Md./Centennial); Meghan Frederick (Cockeysville, Md./Dulaney); Rebecca Greene (Annapolis, Md./Annapolis); Meghan Holleran (Horseheads, N.Y./Horseheads) and Chelsea Hopkins (Pittsburgh, Pa./Upper St. Clair).

Carson, a midfielder, is a three-year starter for Institute of Notre Dame and has recorded 79 goals and 57 assists entering her senior year. In 2005, served as team captain and led her team to the IAAM "B" Conference regular season title with an 11-5-1 overall record. She was named second team All-Baltimore City by the Baltimore Sun in 2005 and was selected to the IAMM "B" Conference All-Star squad. The 2003 Gatorade Rookie of the Year also lettered in volleyball and indoor track & field. A member of the National Honor Society, she intends to major in biology. Coach Scerbo adds, "Sarah is a great addition because she is a standout in three varsity sports and is a natural competitor. She has the ability to make an impact on both ends of the field and we will look for her to do just that next season."

Cates led her Mt. Hebron High squad to a No. 1 ranking in the country and three undefeated seasons from 2003 to 2005. The midfielder had helped lead her prep team to the county, region and state championships and is a two-year letterwinner. In both 2004 and 2005, she led her team to the Maryland 2A-3A State Championships and Mt. Hebron team was also named National Champions by US Lacrosse. Cates was also a standout in field hockey where she garnered all-county and all-metro honors. She is a member of the National Honor Society and performs in her school's musical productions. Scerbo adds, "Sarah is a tremendous athlete with a strong competitive drive. She has the speed and strength to dominate in the midfield and she knows how to win playing for Mt Hebron and M&D Lacrosse Club. She is certainly an athlete to keep an eye on for the next four years."

Faulkner will help secure the midfield/attack after leading her Centennial squad to the regional title game vs. fellow signee Sarah Cates. Faulkner was named second team all-Howard County by both the Washington Post and the Baltimore Sun in 2004 and 2005 and led her prep squad to a second place finish in the county and to the Maryland regional finals her junior year. A two-year team captain, she was a nominee for the Wendy's High School Heisman Award and plans to major in public relations at Duquesne. "With her versatility and competitiveness, Janna will be an impact on our program as soon as she steps on the field. She has had great experience with her high school as well as her club team and that will allow her to compete right away," says Scerbo.

Frederick will aid in securing the attack position for Duquesne after recording 75 goals and 60 assists entering her senior year at Dulaney High School. She led her team to the 2003 and 2005 Baltimore County and the Maryland Regional Championships and is 2005 led her squad to an 18-3 record en route to the Maryland 3A-4A State Championship. She led her team in goals (50), assists (39) and points (89) and was named first team All-Baltimore County by the County Coaches as well as the Baltimore Sun. An all-academic honoree, she is looking to major in journalism/communications at Duquesne. "Meghan puts point on the board and does it often against the best opponents. She has a tremendous ability to score that cannot be taught and we will need her to replace the scoring power we are graduating in 2006," adds Scerbo.

Greene, a midfielder/attack, led her Annapolis High team to the 2003 state semi-finals and was tabbed a first team All-Anne Arundel County pick by the coaches association in 2005. Coach Scerbo adds, "Becky's size and natural scoring ability will make a great impact on our offense in 2007. Playing four years of varsity lacrosse at a school like Annapolis has taught her how to compete with the best players in the state of Maryland."

Holleran, a goalie, has been the starting goalie at Horseheads each season led her squad to the 2004 NY Section IV Class A title. The squad was the section runner-up in 2005 and reigned as league champs in 2004. A two-year All-Section IV pick, team MVP and an Academic All-American. Holleran lettered in soccer as well where she earned three letters and was a two-year letterwinner in indoor track & field. She was also named Honorable Mention All-Galaxy for her play with her club team. She has been active in student life and volunteer work and is looking to major in business. "Meghan brings in a great deal of experience in the net having been on the varsity squad at Horseheads for four years and playing for the CNY Elite team. She has naturally quick hands and is extremely intelligent which will allow her to make a great deal of saves, " says Scerbo.

Hopkins, a midfielder, led her 2005 squad to a 13-4 record recording 17 goals and 32 assists for her Upper St. Clair squad. She has earned three letters and served as team captain in 2005. Hopkins led her team in draw controls with 45. Scerbo adds, "Chelsea is one of the best players in the Pittsburgh area and we are very excited she decided to stay close to home and attend Duquesne. The combination of her height and speed will really allow her to make an impact on the field for us."

Scerbo is just the second head coach in the nine-year history of Duquesne lacrosse. He took over the helm in August of 2005.

Duquesne University Women's Lacrosse 2006-07 Signings

                  POS  Hometown/High School (Club)Sarah Carson    M   Catonsville, Md./Institute of Notre Dame (Hero's Lacrosse Club)Sarah Cates M   Columbia, Md./Mt. Hebron (M&D Lacrosse Club)Janna Faulkner  M/A Ellicott City, Md./Centennial (M&D Lacrosse Club)Meghan Frederick    A   Cockeysville, Md./Dulaney (Skywalkers Lacrosse Club)Rebecca Greene  M/A Annapolis, Md./Annapolis (Severna Park Gang Lacrosse Club)Meghan Holleran GK  Horseheads, N.Y./Horseheads (Central New York Elite Lacrosse Club)Chelsea Hopkins M   Pittsburgh, Pa./Upper St. Clair (Intrepid Lacrosse Club)