Dec. 13, 2004
FAIRFAX, Va. - Five women's lacrosse players have inked to National Letters of Intent for the 2006 campaign during the early signing period, head coach Amy Umbach announced. Raquel "Roxie" Alsruhe, Sarah Bohn, Jenna Celano, Meredith Kolmer, and Sarah McKinley will join the Patriot program in the fall as freshmen beginning in the 2005-06 season.
"We are very excited to welcome the class of 2009 to George Mason women's lacrosse," said Umbach. "Each of these players brings a strong work ethic on the lacrosse field and in the classroom. [Assistant coach] Liz [Schaffner] and I believe they will have a positive impact within our program the moment they step on campus."
Alsruhe is a senior goalkeeper out of nearby Westfield High School and is a native of Centreville, Va. A 2004 team captain, she was named Virginia AAA first-team all-Northern Region and first-team all-Concorde District in 2003 as well as voted the team most valuable player. A two-year starter headed into her final season, Alsruhe recorded a 56.0 save percentage as a sophomore and had 78 saves in posting a 3.5 goals-against average and helped guide the Lady Bulldogs to the Northern Region Tournament semifinals for the first time in the program's four-year history. She is also a member of the National Honor Society and plays for the M&D Black club team.
"Roxie is joining us as one of the top goalies in Northern Virginia," expressed Umbach. "We are looking forward to adding a great goalie from a local powerhouse."
Bohn is expected to play defense and midfield for the Patriots. A senior at Mount de Sales Academy and a native of Westminster, Md., Bohn plays on the same club team as current Patriot Jess Shelton.
"Sarah is a high intensity, very aggressive player," stated Umbach. "We are thrilled about her ability to take risks."
Celeno hails from Farmingdale High School, a three-time (2002, 2003, 2004) Nassau County championship team, located in Farmingdale, N.Y. A senior attacker, she was also a member of Farmingdale's 2004 conference championship team and has earned recognition on the 2004 Empire State and all-conference teams. Her Farmingdale squad reached the Long Island women's lacrosse state championship final in 2001 and 2002. Her club team is the Long Island Yellow Jackets.
"To have a seasoned player like Jenna join our program is a great bonus for us," said Umbach. "She is used to playing against the top talent in the country coming from such a strong program on Long Island. We hope to have her continue her winning traditions at Mason."
Kolmer, who is expected to play defense at Mason, is a Berwyn, Pa. native and a student at Conestoga High School. A 2004 all-Main Line honorable mention selection, Kolmer received the Morgan Kelly Service and Leadership Award in 2004 and won the Central League Golf Championship in 2003. She plays for the Phantastix club team.
"Meredith has a tremendous work ethic and comes from one of the strongest programs in Pennsylvania," explained Umbach. "Her patience and coachability will make her a great addition to our defense."
McKinley is a senior midfielder from Dulaney High School (2004 Regional Champions) in Timonium, Md. She is a member of the Skywalkers club program.
"Sarah will bring size and athleticism to our midfield unit," expressed Umbach. "She is a tremendous multi-sport athlete that will be an asset for us at both ends of the field."
George Mason enters the 2005 season with 9 starters and 17 letterwinners returning from a team that finished 7-10 overall last season and advanced to the CAA Tournament for the 11th straight year with a 4-3 mark. The Patriots finished the season ranked 19th in the final Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) and InsideLacrosse.com polls.
