March 3, 2008

PHILADELPHIA, PA - Head Coach Sarah Catlin has announced the addition of four players to the La Salle field hockey team for the 2008 season. Brittany Nyzio (Attleboro, MA/Worchester Academy), Katelyn Haney (Harleysville, PA/Souderton), Rebecca Freed (Allentown, PA/William Allen) and Lindsay Fry (Douglasville, PA/Oley) all signed the National Letter of Intent on February 6th, 2008 with the Explorers. Perhaps the most well rounded and experienced class in Catlin's history, the Class of 2012 fills all positions for the fall.

Working from the back, Nyzio will join current first year goalkeeper Emma Ruth between the pipes. Nyzio is a two sport stand out at Worcester Academy, splitting her time in the winter between basketball and indoor field hockey. Picking up field hockey as a freshman, Nyzio has set the school record for saves in a season, saves in a game and shutouts in a season. Playing in the Futures program and for her club team IAS Select, Nyzio has played year round and will anchor her team as they play at the National Indoor Tournament in Virginia Beach, VA in mid-March.

"We were interested in Brittany because of her style of play," Catlin commented. "There is a long tradition of exceptional goalkeeping at La Salle, based out of an aggressive style of play. Brittany fits this mold and should complement Emma nicely."

An outstanding defender, Haney will look to challenge for time in the backfield immediately. Playing for perennial powerhouse Souderton High School, Haney has extensive experience in playing in pressure filled games and making long runs into the post season. Haney received first team all conference honors in the extremely competitive Suburban One Continental Conference. Winning her team's "Most Dedicated" award, Haney looks to combine her exceptional background with her dedication when she dons the Blue and Gold this fall.

"Katelyn caught our eye right away," said Catlin. "Defenders will never have the numbers, its all field presence and athleticism. This defender brings both to the field every day."

Freed will be joining the midfield or forward line this fall. A standout midfielder for William Allen, Freed has played in the Pennsylvania State Championship, won the Gold Medal in Keystones, is a four year letter winner in track in the high jump. In addition, she is a part of the Dance Academy at William Allen, where she is a member of the National Honor Society. Freed has played for the Dixie Styx club team in numerous indoor tournaments and journeyed to the Field Hockey Festival. Well rounded both on and off the field, Freed only knows how to be the best.

"I think Becca embodies what we attract to La Salle," says Catlin. "She has an exceptional field hockey background, but that is only one part of her. She has a clear picture in her head of what she expects to achieve in everything she does. I have yet to know her to fail to achieve it!"

The final piece to the class of 2012 is Lindsay Fry out of Oley High School. Fry has had an exceptional career coming out of competitive Berks County. One of the most impressive goal scorers in the area, Fry was recognized as the outstanding offensive player at the Berks All Star game. Captaining her team this past fall, the Oley team made an unexpected run in the State tournament before falling in the quarterfinals. A member of the Pennsylvania U16 team at the National Tournament, Fry has also attended the National Field Hockey Festival with her club team Keystone Berks Blue. She and her team qualified for the National Indoor Tournament to be held in mid march. Another National Honor Society member, Fry looks to fit right in this fall.

"Lindsay will add a level of scoring threat to our already improving offensive. Her shot release is the quickest I have ever seen. She gives us another dimension, as she can pass as well as she shoots," remarked Coach Catlin.

Look for these four to join a strong group of returning players in a run to the Atlantic 10 tournament!