Feb. 6, 2008

THIBODAUX, La. - Head soccer coach Cindy Piper announced Wednesday the addition of six signees for the 2008 season.

"I am very pleased with my signing class," noted Piper. "I feel like they will be able to come in and compete, and push the veterans to work harder overall to get where our team needs to be. They are all great young ladies and will help fill some voids on our team."

Lana Ashford (Baton Rouge, La./Tara HS) served as the goalkeeper for her Tara High School squad from 2005-07. She was twice named First Team All-District goalkeeper (2005, 2007) and was the All-District Defensive MPV in 2007. As a freshman in 2005, Ashford was named to the Second Team State All-Freshman team as a keeper.

"Lana is a very athletic kid who communicates very well with her teammates from the goalkeeper position." said Piper.

Also in at the GK position is Sarah Damen (Houma, La./Terrebonne HS). A 2005-06 First Team All-District selection, Damen helped lead her Terrebonne High School team to a two straight District Championships (2005-06, 2006-07). In addition to playing for her high school squad, Damen is a member of the Houma Strykers.

"Sarah has a knack for the GK position," added Piper. "I look for her and Lana to come in and push for the keeper spot with our current keeper Molly Mesereau."

Alana Dehart (Houma, La./Vanderbilt Catholic HS) is a two-time First Team All-District selection who led her Vanderbilt Catholic High School squad to a 2005 state runner-up finish.

"Alana is a hard-nosed kid who can play multiple positions," Piper said. "She can be used as a back to shut players down, but also in the attack to create offensive chances."

Twice named to the All-District squad, Erika Baker (Baton Rouge, La./St. Michael HS) lettered four years in soccer. In 2006, Baker helped lead her St. Michael High School team to the state playoffs. Her team earned the 2005 and 2007 District Championship.

"Erica is and will be a very versatile player," noted Piper. "She will be a great addition to our program and to the university."

Katie Peterson (Cypress, Texas/Cypress Springs HS) served as a team captain during her junior and senior years and was named the team's MVP in 2007. She was also named First Team All-District in 2007.

"Katie will come in and help out in the midfield as well as up front," said Piper. "She knows the game very well and should be able to contribute quickly."

Finally, Mikaela Rodgers (Oakville, Ontario, Canada/Oakville Trafalgar HS) will join the team for 2008.

"Mikaela will come in and help in the midfield as well," added Piper. "She has exceptional speed to push past defenders and create offensive chances."

"These six young women are going to be great additions to the program as well as the university," Piper said. "They will join a class that also includes two transfers who came in at the beginning of this spring semester."

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