By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 11/28/10
Downingtown East senior attack Ashley Poli has signed a National Letter of Intent to play Division II lacrosse at Philly power West Chester University.
Poli scored 50 goals last year and earned Third Team Ches-Mont League honors, helping the Cougars finish 19-6 and advance to the second round of the state tournament. She plays club lacrosse for PA Express.
Poli plans to study business at West Chester, which last year reached the Division II national finals.
“I met with the coaches and the girls on the team, and it’s a great, competitive program,” she said. “I also liked the size and location of the school.”
Poli played with Philly 2 last May at the national tournament. “I had a blast playing with such great athletes,” she said.
Poli is the fifth Downingtown East senior to sign a Letter of Intent or commit to play college lacrosse. Others include Kelly Devlin (North Carolina, midfielder), Emily Solenberger (Lehigh, attack), Allie Murray (Notre Dame, goalie) and Marya Fratoni (Navy, goalie).
Poli believes the Cougars will be a contender in the Ches-Mont this year.
“Even though we lost three starting varsity players, I still believe that with our athletic talent this year, we will be a strong and competitive team,” she said, “We have good leadership from coach (Caitlin) Barbakoff.”
Poli is one of two Philly girls to sign with West Chester during the early signing period. The other was North Penn attack Stacey Pellechia.
