July 2, 2009
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Penn State women's lacrosse head coach Suzanne Isidor has announced the signing of three recruits for the 2010 season. Composed of two attackers and one defender, the class in small in number but large on ability, potential, and character.
"We are very excited to welcome the class of 2013 to Penn State," said Isidor, who is entering her 10th year at the helm of the Nittany Lions. "The players bring a wealth of talent, excitement and experience to the program. They come from different backgrounds and different parts of the world, so each one brings something special. With a strong group of returning players and these talented freshmen, my staff and I look forward to the 2010 season with great anticipation."
Attacker Molly Fernandez comes to Penn State after a highly decorated high school career at the McDonogh School in Baltimore. A four-year varsity letterwinner and three-year starter, Fernandez led her team to the IAAM `A' Conference Championship for the first time in school history as a senior. In 2009, after tallying 51 points (36 goals, 15 assists), the Eagles' team captain was named an Under Armour All-American, First Team All-Metro by the Baltimore Sun, and an IAAM All-Star and was selected to the All-Tewaaraton High School Team. As a junior, she totaled 42 goals and 15 assists to earn First Team All-Baltimore County accolades and was honored on the 2008 Under Armour Underclassmen Baltimore Championship Team. Fernandez played club lacrosse for Sky Walkers in Baltimore, winning Top of the Bay Championships in 2007 and 2008 and IWLCA Champions Cup and IWLCA Capitol Cup titles in 2008. In 2007, she was received First Team All-Galaxy recognition.
Katie Guy, a defender from Whitby, Ontario, Canada, touts an impressive lacrosse resume at the national and international levels. This summer, Guy competed as the youngest member of Team Canada at the 2009 FIL World Cup in Prague, Czech Republic, helping it capture the bronze medal. A prominent member of the Canadian Provincial U-19 team, she won championships at the Ontario Summer Games in 2006 and 2008. In 2007, Guy started for Team Canada at the U-19 World Championships as a 17-year old. One year prior, she earned Rookie of the Year honors on the U-19 squad. As a member of the Canadian Provincial U-15 team, she captured three championships and was named outstanding defensive player in 2004 and team co-captain and outstanding graduating player in 2005. Playing in high school for the Anderson C.V.I. Raiders, Guy she was honored as varsity rookie of the year in 2006 and was selected as a co-captain in 2007 and 2009. Also a standout student, she earned honors award for academic excellence all four years in high school.
Hayley Sofarnos has bloodlines that descend from Australian lacrosse royalty, as her mother, Sue, is the head coach of the national team and represented her country in five world cups as a player. A four-year member of the Australian U-19 Team, Sofarnos was named to the 2007 U-19 IFWLA All-World Team. In the same year, at the U-19 World Championships, she earned the Spirit of Lacrosse Award and was chosen MVP of the Aussies' match-up with England. For the tournament, she was Team Australia's second-leading scorer and ranked ninth overall among World Championship participants with 19 points (7 goals, 12 assists). Active at the state lacrosse level as well, Sofarnos was a member of the Senior Victorian State Team (2008-09), the U-17 Victorian State Team (2004-08), and the U-15 Victorian State Team (2003-2006) which won a combined six national championships. In 2007, Sofarnos received the Junior Sports Star of the Year award from the Leader Newspaper for her play with the Victorian State Team. A member of the Newport Ladies Lacrosse Club (NLLC) at different levels since 2002, she helped her teams capture a total of six premierships, including three straight from 2006-08. Sofarnos earned Best and Fairest honors with the NLLC in 2006 and 2008 and also served as team co-captain last year.
In 2010, Suzanne Isidor will return 10 starters, including IWLCA All-West/Midwest Region honorees Ashley Boccio and Stephanie Ellis, and 23 letterwinners from the 2009 squad that posted a 9-8 record and advanced to the title game of the ALC Championship for the first time in program history.
2010 Penn State Women's Lacrosse Recruiting Class
Molly Fernandez, Attack, Baltimore, Md.
Katie Guy, Defender, Whitby, Ontario, Canada
Hayley Sofarnos, Attack, Williamstown, Victoria, Australia