Feb. 13, 2008
PITTSBURGH - Duquesne head women's soccer coach Tim Zundel announced today the signings of Becky Bentley (Old Bridge, N.J./Old Bridge), Mackenzie Creehan (Venetia, Pa./Peters Township), Gia Marino (New Cumberland, Pa./Cedar Cliff), Brooke Nettuno (Flemington, N.J./Hunterdon Central), Jess Szeckley (North Huntingdon, Pa./Greensburg Central Catholic), Laura Tlumack (Norvelt, Pa./Mt. Pleasant) and Rachael Weigand (Brecksville, Ohio/Holy Name).
Bentley, a 5-6 forward, played in the finals of the 2005 national club championships and was a 2003 and 2006 state champion as a member of the PDA Power. She was named The Star Ledger and The Home News Tribune Player of the Year in 2007 and finished her career second all-time with 53 goals at Old Bridge High School.
"Becky is a creative and talented forward who fits into our style of attack," said Zundel. "She is a forward who knows how to play with her back to the goal, she has good movements and can strike a ball nicely."
Bentley plans on majoring in business.
Creehan, a 5-5 striker, has played on numerous state cup winners for the Beadling Soccer Club. The four-year letter winner from Peters Township High School was a two-time all-state player, regional All-American, and Pittsburgh Post-Gazette MVP.
"Mackenzie is an exciting young player who has the ability to fit into a number of different positions for us," said Zundel. "She understands the game and will have a lot to add to our team."
Creehan plans on majoring in pharmacy.
Marino, a 5-6 midfielder/forward, played premier soccer for nine years for Super Nova F.C. The four-year varsity starter led Cedar Cliff High School to the PIAA state playoffs for the first time in school history as a freshman. She was named to the all-girl's team by The Carlisle Sentinel and was a first team Mid-Penn All Star in 2007.
"Gia is a player that will add to a talented midfield. She is a very athletic, hard-working player who has good 1-v-1 ability, good spec and vision," said Zundel.
Marino plans on majoring in business.
Nettuno, a 5-2 midfielder, was a teammate of Bentley on the 2005 PDA Power team that made it to the finals of the national club championships and won two state championships. She was a three-year captain and a four year captain at Hunterdon Central where she led the Red Devils to three Skyland Conference championships while being honored as the The Star Ledger 2007 player of the year.
"Brooke is a very exciting player who will bring experience and balance to our midfield," said Zundel. "She has good technical ability, vision and knows how to play box-to-box."
Nettuno plans on majoring in nursing.
Szekely, a 5-7 midfielder/defender, was a four-time state club champion while playing for Penns Forest Los Lobos. She was on the Greensburg Central Catholic team that was WPIAL champions in 2005 and PIAA state finalists in 2005 and 2006. The four-year starter was name all-section in 2005, 2006 and 2007.
"Jess is a strong defensive minded player who will help our team's defense build on our shutout tally from a season ago," said Zundel. "She fits our defensive philosophies perfectly; she works hard and organizes well."
Szekely plans on majoring in pharmacy.
Tlumack, a 5-6 defender, was a teammate of Szekely on the Penns Forest club team that won four state championships. The four-year letter winner set Mt. Pleasant school records for most goals in one season with 29 and career goals with 76.
"Laura is a talented center back who will add balance to our young back line," said Zundel. "She is very athletic, strong in the air and she organizes well."
Tlumack plans on majoring in pre-medical professions.
Weigand, a 5-10 defender/midfielder, was a two-time state cup club champion while playing with the CSA Impact. She led Holy Name High School to the 2006 Ohio state championship as the Green Wave was ranked 24th nationally. The four-year varsity starter was a four-time Cleveland Plain Dealer All-Star.
"Rachael is an experienced young central defender who possesses a tremendous attitude," said Zundel. She will help our defense become stronger.
Weigand plans on majoring in biology.
"I am very pleased with our class so far. They will add more balance and experience to our young squad," added Zundel. "The players in this class have won over 12 state championships and played in two national championships which speak volumes to the overall potential the members of this class have. We feel that all of the players announced today will fit well into our team's philosophy and attitude."
