Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 1/1/09

Penncrest’s Mary Kate Manganiello and North Penn’s Dianna Milano are two of nine players who have signed letters of intent to play at Division I Quinnipiac next year.

Quinnipiac coach Danie Caro recently announced the signing of the nine players. Others include: Emily Allen (Glastonbury, Conn.), Sarah Allen (Glastonbury, Conn.), Chelsea Guerrera (Wantagh, N.Y.), Kayla Hamberry (Edgewater, Md.), Jackie Keleher (Manlius, N.Y.), Emily Mason (Fairfield, Conn.), and Lianne Toomey (Hicksville, N.Y.) all will be coming to Quinnipiac next fall.

“We are really excited about the group of incoming players we’ve assembled,” said Caro. “We are graduating eight seniors this spring, so our incoming class will have some big shoes to fill, but I’m confident they will be up to the challenge. Every single one of them will add something to the team and we’re looking forward to helping them to continue their development as student-athletes at Quinnipiac University.”

Manganiello is a midfielder who was a Second-Team pick on the All-Central League Team. In her sophomore year of 2007, Manganiello received Honorable Mention recognition in the Central League. Off the field, she is an Honor Roll student and a member of the National Art Honor Society as well as serving as her school’s Students Against Drunk Driving (SADD) President. She is also currently a member of Ultimate Goal Club Lacrosse team.

“Mary Kate is a very versatile player that can excel in any position on the field,” Caro said. “She has good size and fitness, so we expect her to replace some of the experience we’re losing in the midfield this year.”

Milano, a defender, recorded 49 ground balls, 11 caused turnovers, nine draw controls and added one goal en route to being named her team’s Most Improved Player. Currently a member of the Ultimate Goal Club Lacrosse team, Milano is an Honor Roll student, while also volunteering with Easter Seals.

“Dianna is a strong student-athlete who has had success on and off the field,” Caro said. “Making the transition from high school to college level play is difficult for defenders, but I believe she is capable of contributing to our program from day one.”

The Bobcats – who went 10-6 last year – begin their 2009 regular season against intrastate rival Connecticut on Tuesday, Mar. 3 at the Quinnipiac Field Hockey and Lacrosse Turf at 2:30 p.m.

Tags: North Penn, Penncrest