May 27, 2008

(San Francisco, CA) - University of San Francisco Women's Soccer has added six more players for the 2008 season, Head Coach Mark Carr announced Tuesday. Forward Molly Hall, midfielders Alyssa Simbahon and Meritt Peterson, and defenders Afiya Roberts, Jane Shook, and Lauren Abarca join the nine other newcomers who signed National Letters of Intent in February.

"This seals our 2008 recruiting class and I am delighted with the quality and depth of the group as a whole," said Carr.

Below is a list of players (by position), along with biographical information.

Molly Hall, Fr., Forward (Santa Clarita, CA/Canyon High School) An aggressive attacker, Hall was a three time top scorer for the Canyon High School Varsity team, competed in the CIF and helped her team to the Division II playoffs three straight years (2006-8). Hall was also the top scorer for Crescenta Valley Soccer club.

Head Coach Mark Carr on Hall: "Molly is an athletic presence up top and has a nose for the goal. I fully expect her to challenge and push for playing time among our forwards."

Alyssa Simbahon, Fr., Midfielder (Honolulu, HI/'Iolani School) A technical midfielder, Simbahon was a three year varsity starter at 'Iolani School in Honolulu, HI and two year varsity team captain. Simbahon was a left outside back/midfielder for both her high school and club team, Leahi SC 90 Premier. She helped her team to a 2008 State Cup runner-up showing, and six previous State Cup Championships. The freshman represented Hawaii ODP for the past four years, attended Region IV camp for three years, and was selected to the Hawaii Senior All-Star Game this past season.

Coach Carr on Simbahon: "Alyssa is a very technical and creative midfielder who will bring a lot of flair in the attacking third. I expect her to challenge for a starting spot in the midfield."

Meritt Peterson, Fr., Midfielder (Seattle, WA/Roosevelt High School) A versatile midfielder, Peterson was a four year starter and Senior Captain of Roosevelt High School. The two-time winner of the Most Inspirational Player award for soccer was also a four year letterman in track for the 800m event. In class, Peterson was a 4.0 student and Senior Class Vice President. She also played club soccer for State Champion and two time runner up Fenix 89 out of Seattle, WA.

Coach Carr on Peterson: "Meritt is a very intelligent and versatile player who could play a number of positions for us. She makes good decisions when in possession and has a tireless work ethic."

Afiya Roberts, So.-Tr., Defender (Fremont, CA/UC Davis) After starting playing in eight games (seven starts) at UC Davis, Roberts has transferred to USF for her sophomore campaign. Previous to UC Davis, Roberts was an All-Mission Valley Athletic League defender at Washington High, helping her team capture three straight conference titles and three North Coast Section playoff berths. As a freshman, she earned All-MVAL second-team honors, and then picked up first-team nods as a sophomore and junior.

Coach Carr on Roberts: "Afiya is a natural athlete and a very good one-versus-one defender. She transferred in at the start of the semester and has been training with us this spring. I am looking forward to her making an immediate impact right away in our backline."

Jane Shook, Fr., Defender (Santa Cruz, CA/Santa Cruz High School) Shook played 4 years of varsity soccer at Santa Cruz High, where she was team captain junior and senior year. The defender helped lead her team to a CCS championship in 2007 and SCCAL championship in 2007 and 2008. Shook earned First Team All-League in SCCAL three times, and played club soccer with the Santa Cruz Breakers for six years.

Coach Carr on Shook: "Jane is a strong and athletic defender who could play anywhere on our backline. She understands the game tactically and I am looking forward to what she can bring to this level."

Lauren Abarca, Fr., Defender (Orange, CA/El Dorado High School) Abarca was a four year starter and Senior Captain at El Dorado High School in Orange County, and led her team to two Division II League Championships. In 2007, the defender was a club Captain on the OSC Premier Team that won the Coast Premier League Cup.

Coach Carr on Abarca: "Lauren is a solid addition to our roster. She can play either centrally or on the outside in the back. She is smart, technical and makes good decisions on the ball."