Nov. 21, 2008

FRESNO, Calif. - As the Fresno State women's lacrosse team prepares for its upcoming season, the Bulldog coaching staff has also been busy off the field putting together their recruiting class for the 2009-10 season.

On Friday, women's lacrosse coach Sue Behme announced the signing of five student-athletes to National Letters of Intent for the 2009-10 year. The five players joining the program next year are Sophie Walker, Kathryn Wilbur, Taylor Fiehler, Lauren Natale and Natalie Harrington.

"It is with great pleasure that I introduce Fresno State's first early signees in the lacrosse programs history," Behme said. "This is an exciting time for our program and once again demonstrates the positive direction our program has and is moving in a very short period of time. These ladies bring lacrosse experience from California, New York, Maryland, Georgia, and Oregon. They have all played at a very high level with their club teams and we are so proud that they are joining our lacrosse family and our Bulldog academic and athletic community."

2009-10 Fresno State Recruiting Class

Natalie Harrington, Oregon City HS, Oregon City, Ore. / Club Team: Rhino Elite
Lacrosse Honors:
2008: First Team All-State, Northeast Regional Team Member
2007: Oregon Elite Team Member
Leading Scorer at Oregon City

Behme on Harrington
"Natalie is a true attacker, she sees the goal and attacks with tenacity. She is a team player and will bring to Fresno State lacrosse a balance of goal scoring and offensive balance."

Lauren Natale, Harrison HS, Acworth, GA / Club Team: X Team

Lacrosse Honors:
2008: First team All-State, First Team All-County, US Lacrosse National Southeast Team
2007: US Lacrosse National Southeast Team
Leading scorer at Harrison HS
Three year academic honor roll

Behme on Natale
"Lauren is a very talented midfielder can run the field very well. She has good speed and will add to the midfielders we already have here at Fresno State. Lauren's positive attitude and hard working mentality will add to our program." Katie Wilbur, Canandaigua Academy, Canandaigua, NY. / Club Team: Lady Roc

Behme on Wilbur
"Katie is a positive leader in goal. As a goalkeeper, she brings a great balance of composure and energy. In goal she has played with and against the top players in the country. Katie is experienced and well prepared to bring Fresno State lacrosse to the next level."

Sophie Walker, Mercy HS, Lutherville, MD. / Club Team: Skywalkers

Lacrosse Honors:
Defender on Skywalkers Elite Club Team Defensive Leader at Mercy HS

Behme on Walker
"Sophie is a hard noised and determined defender. She has trained with great coaches and against great offensive players throughout her time on Skywalkers. Sophie does all the little things in the backfield that may go unnoticed. She is a fighter and does what she need to become the best. This is why she is coming to Fresno State."

Taylor Fiehler, Valley Center HS, Valley Center, Calif. / Club Teams: San Diego Wildcats, Team UNO, Team Adren Straz

Lacrosse Honors: 2008: North County First Team, Team Captain, Valley Center Lacrosse MVP
2007: Valley Center Lacrosse MVP, North County Second Team
2006: Valley Center Lacrosse MVP, North County Honorable Mention
*She holds US Lacrosse Level 1 Coaches Certificate

Behme on Fiehler
"Taylor is a disciplined student-athlete. She brings enthusiasm and athleticism to our program and the will to succeed. Taylor's desire to compete and also coach and help develop girls lacrosse in the Central Valley as a Fresno State student-athlete is very special. "

"Join the State - Fresno State"- For Fresno State ticket information click on the tickets link at the top of the page.