Athens, Ohio (Feb. 8) - Ohio Head Field Hockey Coach Shelly Morris recently announced the signings of four high school seniors. Kristen Hann (Southampton, N.J.), Elizabeth Unger (Monroeville, N.J.), Ashley Pitkin (Rochester, N.Y.), and Lindsay Rothenberger (Fleetwood, Pa.) will join the Bobcats in the fall of 2001.
Haan, a back at Lenappe High School, was a first-team All-Burlington County and Olympic Conference player last year. The two-year captain scored 11 goals her senior year and 37 for her career. She also tallied 11 assists and 10 defensive saves last season. Haan was a three-year member of the National Futures team and participated in the 1999 National Futures Tournament where her team won the gold medal. A four-year letterman under head coach Harla Pfeiffer, Haan is also a dedicated student, maintaining honor roll status throughout high school.

"Kristen is a solid defender who has a lot of speed. She is very consistent and disciplined for a high school player. I see her stepping in at back or in the midfield for us," said Morris.

Unger comes from Delsea High School, where she was a three-year letterwinner under head coach and mother Meg Unger. As a forward, she scored 53 goals her senior year, earning second team All-State and All-State Group III honors. Also a three-year member of the National Futures team, Unger participated in the Futures Tournament and Junior Olympics in 1999.

"I am hoping Liz's speed will help us fill some gaps on the forward line. She has raw talent and a nose for the goal. I will be looking for her to spark our offense next year," Morris.

Pitkin was a three-year starting goalie for Penfield High School under the guidance of head coach Jennifer Terwilliger. During that time, she set school records with 17 shutouts in a season (1999) and 47 in her career. Pitkin lost only one regular-season game in three years, and also had an undefeated streak of 50 while helping her team to three county championships and a state semifinal appearance her sophomore year. As team captain and MVP her senior year, she was named first-team All New York State and all-county. She has participated in the Futures Tournament twice, receiving a silver medal while playing for the U-16 team. Pitkin is also a three-year scholar athlete.

"Ashley is very quick and has great reactions. She is very explosive and I am looking forward to working with her. She has a lot of energy and a strong discipline in the basic skills," Morris.

Rothenberger was a four-year starter under head coach Donna Long at Oley Valley High School. The forward helped her team win two Pennsylvania state championships (1997 & 2000). She earned a spot on the 2000 Mideast Regional All-American team. She was a member of the National U-18 team and was selected to participate in the United States "A" Camp in 2001. She also played in the Junior Olympics and National Futures Tournament in 1999.

"I think Lindsay is one to the best player in the 2001 class. She has already seen a high level of competition, and she will bring some great experience to our forward line," Morris.

The Bobcats finished the 2000 season 10-10 and were runners-up in the MAC Field Hockey Championship. The 2001 team will have six starters and 11 lettermen returning next year. "I'm excited to combine the talent of these new player with what we have returning. It should make our 2001 season even more exciting than the past two have been," Morris.