Aug. 11, 2006

Erie, Pa. - Coming off of its most successful season ever, the Mercyhurst College women's water polo team added a recruiting class that should fill the squad's need for depth. Head coach Curtis Robinette announced a five person class that should help the program build on last year's 15-8-1 record.

Chrissy Genian enters Mercyhurst after spending a year at Citrus College in Glendora, CA, where she was voted Most Valuable Swimmer and Best Defensive Player. In high school, Genian earned all-conference honors in both swimming and water polo.

Jenna Jefferds was named to the Illpolo.com All-Defensive, All-Leftie, and All-Versatile teams. She was named all-sectional and all-state as both a junior and senior.

Rhonda Marable took a year off after spending time at Palomar College, where she was a member of the 2004 Pacific Conference Championship team, while being voted Freshman Player of the Year in 2003. In high school, she received all-conference honors and was named team MVP.

Jacqueline Phillips was named Defensive Most Valuable Player as a senior at East Kenwood High School. A two year team captain, she earned all-conference and all-regional honors this year.

Sam Shehan was named to "A Player to Watch" by Illpolo.com after her prep career in the tough Chicago Metro Catholic Conference. That experience will prove valuable in college.

With five returning starters to go with a deep and talented recruiting class, the Mercyhurst women's water polo team will look to improve on last year's third place Western Division finish and a CWPA Top Ten ranking.