Bailey, a defender from Central Bucks East High School in Doylestown, Pa., earned a second-team all-league spot as a junior in 2007, helping guide the Patriots to a 12-8 record. “Kendall is a 5-11 defender who has a lot of speed,” Ciarrocca said. “We are looking forward to her coming here and helping us on defense.”
Daly, a native of Medford, N.J., was an honorable mention All-American as a junior at Shawnee High School in 2007. The midfielder was named first-team all-league, first-team all-county, and second-team all-state for the 20-2 Renegades, who finished last season ranked No. 15 in the nation by LaxPower.com and have gone 14-0 so far in 2008. “Quinn possesses a lot of speed and will lead the midfield at UD” Ciarrocca said. “She plays great defense and is a prolific scorer as well.”
King, an attack from Cockeysville, Md., was Dulaney High School's top scorer as a junior in 2007, when she led the squad to a berth in the state championship game. Her Lions went 13-3 last season after winning a state title in 2006. “Blair has a great shot and will be an asset to our offensive unit,” Ciarrocca said.
Machikas, a native of Glenmoore, Pa., was named Germantown Academy's co-most valuable player as a junior last season. She shined on defense for the 17-7 Patriots and is also a member of the PA Express club lacrosse team. “Torie is a strong defender who can match up on anyone and do a great job,” Ciarrocca said. “She is a very smart player.”
Molina, a midfielder from Sparta, N.J., was Sparta High School's most valuable player as a sophomore two years ago, when she was also an All-Stripes Division pick. She starred for the Tri-State Lacrosse Club in 2007. Ciarrocca said Molina is “a very fast defender who has good vision of the field.”
Villano, a native of Long Valley, N.J., who played four years of lacrosse at West Morris Central High School, was a second-team All-Iron Hills Conference pick as a junior in 2007. She led the Highlanders to a 14-9 record last season. Ciarrocca called Villano “an amazing athlete who will see playing time quickly at UD.”
Wills comes to UD from Baltimore, where she excelled as a defender for St. Paul's School for Girls. According to LaxPower.com, the Gators played the toughest schedule in the nation in 2007. Wills also played alongside King with the Skywalkers Lacrosse Club. “Gracie can help lead the midfield in transition,” Ciarrocca said. “She has a great sense for the game.”
The Blue Hens, who went 11-6 this season en route to a berth in the Colonial Athletic Association tournament, will lose just two seniors from this year's squad. The seven incoming freshmen will join a deep, talented roster that will feature three All-CAA performers in midfielder Emily Schaknowski, defender Ange Gaeta and goalkeeper Jessica Cerveny.
For more information on UD athletics, see [www.udel.edu/sportsinfo].
