Utah State women's soccer signs 8 for 2012 season

LOGAN — Utah State women's head soccer coach Heather Cairns announced Friday that seven players have signed letters of intent to play for the Aggies in the 2012 season, while one signed a letter of acceptance.

“I am very excited to welcome this class into the Utah State soccer family," Cairns said. "Our 2012 class has big shoes to fill, and we were able to find a group of student athletes who are up to the challenge of continuing our success. This is a very competitive group both on the field and in the classroom, and they will be great representatives of Utah State University.”

Midfielder Samantha Curtis from Cottonwood Heights (Brighton High School), forward Danielle Gaztambide from Salt Lake City (Judge Memorial High), midfielder/forward Maris Hamblin from Highland (Lone Peak High), defender/midfielder Lexie Henrie from Orem (Timpanogos High), defender Sara Lorscheider from Centerville (Viewmont High), goalkeeper Natalie Stoven from Cottonwood Heights (Brighton High) and goalkeeper Jeannie Wollier from Sandy (Waterford School) have all signed national letters of intent. Midfielder Jamie Duke from Sandy (Waterford School) signed a letter of acceptance.

Utah State returns seven starters and 18 letter winners from last season's squad, which ended a historic season with a 15-5-2 record. The Aggies posted a 5-1-1 Western Athletic Conference record en route to their third WAC regular-season title in four years. Utah State also won its first WAC Tournament title and advanced to its first NCAA Tournament. Leading the Aggies next year will be two-time WAC Defensive Player of the Year, Natalie Norris.

2012 USU SOCCER SIGNEES

NAME POS YR HOMETOWN (HIGH SCHOOL)

Samantha Curtis M FR Cottonwood Heights (Brighton HS)

Jamie Duke M FR Sandy (Waterford School)

Danielle Gaztambide F FR Salt Lake City (Judge Memorial)

Maris Hamblin M/F FR Highland (Lone Peak HS)

Lexie Henrie D/M FR Orem (Timpanogos HS)

Sara Lorscheider D FR Centerville (Viewmont HS)

Natalie Stoven GK FR Cottonwood Heights (Brighton HS)

Jeannie Woller GK FR Sandy (Waterford School)

Doug Hoffman is the assistant athletic director for Utah State University Athletic Media Relations.