WOMEN'S LACROSSE INKS FIVE STANDOUTS FOR FALL OF 2010

December 1, 2009

WOMEN'S LACROSSE SIGNS FIVE STUDENT-ATHLETES TO NATIONAL LETTERS OF INTENT

SMITHFIELD, R.I. -- Bryant University head coach Karen Healy is pleased to announce the signing of Haley Bloom (Hauppauge, NY), Melanie Erk (Danbury, CT), Kelsey Greissing (Hudson, OH), Lindsay Langella (Northport, NY), and Olivia McCarthy (Sea Girt, NJ) to a National Letter of Intent to enroll and participate in women's lacrosse at Bryant in the fall of 2010. The announcement was made today by Healy and Director of Athletics Bill Smith.

Haley Bloom

Melanie Erk

Kelsey Greissing

Lindsay Langella

Olivia McCarthy

"We are expecting Haley, Melanie, Kelsey, Lindsay, and Olivia to make an impact on our program from the moment they step foot on campus next fall," said Healy.  "They bring a competitive drive and winning attitude that will greatly benefit our program. We are excited to have them join our Bulldog family."

Bloom, a crafty, low attacker, has been a standout player at St. Anthony's High School for the past three seasons. She was awarded the Best Offensive Player Award in 2007 and made the All-Catholic League Team in 2009. She also finished in the top 10 in scoring in the Catholic League after her junior season. Since Bloom entered high school, she has amassed an impressive 40-0-2 record as a member of the varsity team and helped St. Anthony's to league championships in 2007, 2008 and 2009.

As a club player, she is a member of the Long Island Yellow Jackets and was a member of the 2008 All Galaxy team.

"Haley's solid skills and poise will be a nice addition to our attacking unit," said Healy. "Her aggressive play and smart field sense will be invaluable to our offense."

Erk, an athletic midfielder, has been a four-year varsity starter for Danbury High School and helped lead her team to a Division II State Championship in 2008. A defender as a freshman and sophomore, Erk moved to midfield as a junior and was the team's second leading scorer. She was named All-Conference-West Division and was selected to participate with the Connecticut Super Juniors team. Erk will serve as captain for her senior season.

She has been a member of the Connecticut Lightning Club team for the past 3 years. Erk is also a talented soccer player and swimmer excelling at both sports at Danbury High School.

"Melanie is a true competitor," said Healy. "She is a hardworking, athletic player who we will rely on to kick start our transition."

Greissing, an intimidating low defender, has been a member of the varsity team at Western Reserve Academy since her sophomore year. She was All-League ISL as a junior, leading the team in ground balls and caused turnovers. Named as one of the top players in Northeast Ohio, Greissing was the recipient of the Coach's Award as a sophomore. She is a member of the Midwestern Force lacrosse club and was Co-Player of the Month in December, 2008. Greissing is also a member of Western Reserve Academy's basketball and field hockey teams.

"Kelsey's height and field awareness will be great assets for our defensive unit," said Healy. "She is a smart player who we will rely on to jump passing lanes and win ground balls."

 Langella, an aggressive low defender, was a varsity defender at Northport High School during their undefeated season in 2009. She was sidelined her sophomore season with a knee injury but since then, has helped her high school team win the Section 1 League championship, Suffolk Country championship, and achieve a #13 national ranking. She will serve as captain for her senior season. Langella was also a recipient of the scholar athlete award for her exemplary work in the classroom.

She is a member of the Long Island Yellow Jackets club and was an accomplished soccer player at Northport High School for three seasons.

"Lindsay's composure and intelligence will be a welcomed addition to our defensive unit," said Healy. "We will look to her in the hustle stat categories and to be a vocal leader both on and off the field."

McCarthy, a fluid attacking midfielder, has been a varsity starter at Manasquan High School since her freshman year. She was named the Offensive Player of the Year by the Coast Star newspaper in 2008 and scored her 100th career goal in leading the team in scoring with 60 goals and 15 assists in 2009.  

A member of the T3 Shore club team for the past two years, McCarthy is also a member of the Manasquan High School cross country team.

"Olivia is a quick attacker with excellent field vision," said Healy. "She knows how to find the back of the net and we are excited to see what she can do as a Bulldog."