Carroll teammates Salata, Yankowich look forward to playing at La Salle

By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, posted 2/18/09

Archbishop Carroll senior attackers Amanda Salata and Ryan Yankowich have signed letters of intent to play next year at La Salle University.

Salata said a major reason for her decision was La Salle’s new head coach, Candace Taglianetti.

“I think she knows what she wants to do and is trying to bring a positive attitude to the team,” she said. “And I really liked the liked the team a lot. That definitely helped the decision.”

Salata, who has earned honors in French, is considering business management as a major.

Yankowich, meanwhile, liked the location and the campus.

“I like that it’s close to home so my parents can come to all the games,” she said. “I really liked the campus; it’s not too big and not too small.

“When I went for my official visit, the coach was awesome and I really felt I could fit in with the team.”

Yankowich, who is condering business as a major, also liked the fact that Salata is joining her.

“She’s one of my best friends,” she said.

In fact, Yankowich and Salata are two of a host of Philly girls who have signed with La Salle. Others include Marple Newtown’s Jackie Roebuck and Melanie Sarcinello, North Penn’s Lauren McDermott and West Chester East’s Audrey Metzger-Bailey.

Before Yankowich and Salata move into the Olney section of Philadelphia, they are taking aim on helping Carroll shoot for its ninth straight Catholic League championship and a shot at the state playoffs for the first time.

“I think everyone thinks that have some really nice players,” Salata said. “I think we’ll be a strong team. We are working really hard and, of course, coach (Lorraine) Beers is pushing us to become better players.”

Why has Carroll been so successful?

“It’s our attitude,” Salata said. “We’re all close to each other, and that helps us with team bonding. Everyone just knows what to do and we have that positive attitude to continue to play well.”

“It’s because of coach Beers,” added Yankowich. “She just does so much and pushes us so hard. She makes us play to our potential.”