Feb. 8, 2007

MEMPHIS - Memphis head coach Brooks Monaghan announced three more singnees for his 2007 women's soccer class Friday, with the addition of Elise Kuhar-Pitters, Kelsey Bakker and Melissa Smith.

Bakker and Kuhar-Pitters both hail from the state of Washington where they were teammates on the state's Olympic developmental squad and the Spokane Shadow club team.

Kuhar-Pitters was a four-year starter in goal at Gonzaga Prep in Spokane. She was a three-time all-city selection, a two-time all-state selection and was named League MVP in 2006 after helping Gonzaga Prep to a 10-1-4 overall record. Kuhar-Pitters finished her high school career with a 0.25 goals-against-average and allowed just 15 goals in 2006.

"Elise will come in and push for the starting spot in the goal right away," said Monaghan. "She has all the tools to be a good keeper. She is quick, has great hands and is very good with her feet. I feel like the sky is the limit for her."

Bakker was named first-team All-State in 2006 and second-team All-State in 2004 and 2005 while playing midfield for Southridge High School. In addition to her achievements on the field, Bakker ranks No. 1 out of 354 students in her senior class and is a member of the National Honor Society.

"Kelsey is a fierce competitor that brings great athleticism to our back line," said Monaghan. "She has great size and is strong in the air. We expect her to come in and compete immediately for playing time."

Smith, of Exeter, Ontario, was a member of the Ontario Provincial Olympic Developmental Team. Her club team, the Forest United Flames, won five Ontario Cup Championships. Smith also helped her club to two Canadian National Silver Medals, including one in the 2006 season when she served as the team captain. Smith scored over 30 goals in her high school career with South Huron District High and was the team's MVP for four consecutive years.

"Melissa is a natural goal-scorer," said Monaghan. "She's a gritty forward that always seems to find a way to put the ball in the back of the net. She will be called upon immediately to fill the shoes of Shoko Mikami our leading goal-scorer from last season."

Check back Friday and Monday for the remaining 2007 women's soccer signees.