Jan. 3, 2007

Erie, Pa. - Mercyhurst women's lacrosse head coach Cecil Pilson has announced the signing of high school seniors Maria Rosettie and Maggie Yackel to National Letters of Intent during the early signing period. Both will begin competing for the Lakers in the 2007-08 season.

"I am very excited about these two players," Pilson said. "Maria and Maggie boast a great combination of athleticism, lacrosse skill, and academic potential. In combination with our young, promising team, they should help us climb higher into the NCAA Division II rankings and help us accomplish our long range goals."

Rosettie, a 5-foot-8 midfielder, hails from Corning, N.Y. and played three varsity seasons at Corning Painted Post East High School. She was a US Lacrosse Honorable Mention All-American in 2006, as well as first team all-league and first team all-county. She has 86 goals and 33 assists in three years for 119 total points.

In three years, her teams boasted an impressive 51-4 record, advancing to the New York State Class B Finals as a freshman and to the Semifinals as a sophomore and junior. She is a two-time member of the Western Region Empire State Team and won a gold medal at the Empire State Games in 2005, following that up with a silver medal performance in 2006.

"Maria brings speed, outstanding field vision, and a goal scorer's presence to our midfield," Pilson said. "She comes from a very successful high school program that has a long history of success. She is the complete midfield package - a sniper on offense who has solid footwork on defense."

Yackel, a 5-3 defender, hails from Camillus, N.Y. and played one varsity season at West Genesee High School. She played in every game a year ago, scoring one goal and posting six caused turnovers. She tallied 26 ground balls to help her team become a Class A, Section III Finalist after going 20-1 in 2006. She was named All-League Honorable Mention and is expected to be the anchor to her team's defense this spring.

"Maggie is a quick, aggressive, athletic defender who will bring a new aspect to our defense next year," Pilson said. "She also comes from a very successful high school program and her defensive talents will be looked at to make an immediate impact on our program."

Mercyhurst is entering its eleventh year of competition and returns eight starters and 18 varsity letter winners from last year's team. The Lakers will debut 11 newcomers this year when they open the season on the road against Queens University on February 28 in Charlotte, N.C.