NORFOLK, Va. – Old Dominion lacrosse head coach Heather Holt welcomes the addition of eight newcomers, which is comprised of seven freshmen and one transfer.
The incoming lacrosse Monarchs hail from five different states, including Pennsylvania (4), Virginia (1), Colorado (1), New York (1), and North Carolina (1).
“We are proud to welcome eight incoming players. This diverse group of athletes will provide energy and a high lacrosse skill set to each position on the field,” explained head coach Heather Holt. “I am confident that each member of this class will be a positive addition to our program not only on the field, but also in the classroom and within the ODU community.”
Haleigh Wurzel – Graduate Transfer from Mercer University
Position: Goalkeeper
Hometown: Chester Springs, Pa.
High School: Downington East HS
Honors: 2016, 2017 ASUN First Team All-Conference
Career Stats at Mercer:
2017
19 GP/19 GS
156 saves
.460 save pct
61 groundballs
2016
Led the nation in saves (207)
18 GP/18 GS
.521 save pct
45 groundballs
2015
14 GP/13 GS
154 saves
.477 save pct
40 groundballs
Holt on Wurzel:
“Haleigh is a seasoned goalkeeper who had an impressive career at Mercer University. Her solid mechanics partnered with her tenacity will be a welcome addition to our defensive unit.”
Paige Angelus
Position: Defender
Hometown: Horsham, Pa.
High School: Gwynedd Mercy Academy HS
Career Stats:
15 goals
182 groundballs
32 caused turnovers
Holt on Angelus:
“Paige is a strong defender who is a hard worker on the field and in the classroom. Her work ethic is unmatched and will be a welcome addition to our squad."
Danielle Dundas
Position: Attack
Hometown: Doylestown, Pa.
High School: Central Bucks West
Honors: Suburban 1 All-League First Team (’17,’18), All-Interlligencer First Team (’17,’18)
U15 Elite Tournament Participant in Aurora, Colo.
Brine National Team (‘16,’17)
Career Stats:
163 goals
74 assists
154 groundballs
Holt on Dundas:
“Danielle is a top-notch attacker who will bring energy and quickness to our offense. Her nose for the goal and finishing ability will be a great addition to our team."
Madi Johnson
Position: Attack
Hometown: Richmond, Va.
High School: Trinity Episcopal
Club Team: Storm Lacrosse
Honors: First Team All-Metro, Two-Time Second Team All-State
Career Stats:
114 goals
21 assists
76 draw controls
Holt on Johnson:
“Madi is a fluid player who will bring speed to our transition. Her competitive drive and determination will only raise the level of play within our team.”
Riley Leischner
Position: Attack/Midfield
Hometown: Lilttleton, Colo.
High School: Chatfield Senior High School
Honors: Captain junior and senior year, Two-Time Second Team All-Conference
Career Stats:
71 goals
56 assists
Holt on Leischner:
“Riley is a tall, athletic defender who is vocal communicator. We look forward to the competitive spirit she will bring to the field each day.”
Tess Meurling
Position: Midfield
Hometown: Apex, N.C.
High School: Apex HS
Honors: Three Time Us Lacrosse All American, Three time All Metro ,Three Time First team All-Conference (2016, 2017, 2018), One time Second team All-Conference (2015), NC National team (2015, 2016, 2017), SWAC Conference Player of the Year 2017
Career Stats:
225 goals
91 assists
343 groundballs
Holt on Meruling:
“Tess is a natural athlete who will bring strength to our midfield and defense. Her field vision and ability to read plays on both sides of the ball will be a great addition.”
Lily Siskand
Position: Attack
Hometown: West Chester, Pa.
High School: Henderson
Honors: Two-Time First Team All-League
Career Stats:
168 goals
64 assists
71 draw controls in ‘18
Holt on Siskand:
“We are excited about the skill set and high level of lacrosse IQ Lilly will bring to our team. She is a tough, versatile player who we look forward to being a strong offensive threat."
Amber Stieve
Position: Midfield
Hometown: Huntington, N.Y.
High School: Huntington
Club Team: LFG Lacrosse Club
Honors: Recipient of the Kyle Kyrst Scholarship given to 1 male and 1 female lacrosse player each year who shows devotion and leadership to the sport of lacrosse.
Holt on Stieve:
“Amber is a gritty midfielder and skilled finisher. Her play making ability and instinct make her a threat on both ends of the field.”