ERIE, Pa. – Head coach Cecil C. Pilson of the Mercyhurst College women's lacrosse team has announced the signing of six student-athletes to National Letters of Intent. Erica Albornoz (Ellicott City, Md. / Centennial), Hannah Corton (Reisterstown, Md. / Franklin), Rebecca Himes (Baltimore, Md. / Perry Hall), Regan Kaestner (Felton, Pa. / Roland Park Country School), Rebecca Muscella (Bel Air, Md. / C. Milton Wright) and Alexandra Petrone (Bel Air, Md. / Bel Air) will join the Lakers as freshmen in the fall of 2011.

“I am very excited for this group of athletes to join our program next year,” said Pilson. “Each of them brings something new to an already well-balanced team.”

The six student-athletes that signed with coach Pilson hail from two different states and can fill holes at all four major positions.

Albornoz, a versatile midfielder who also plays defense, has played the past three seasons on the varsity squad at Centennial High School. She has helped her team to the Maryland State 3A / 2A Semifinals and the second round twice. She was named her team's defensive most valuable player as a freshman and has been recognized on the All-Baltimore County Second Team for the sport of soccer.

Corton, an attacker / midfielder, currently plays lacrosse at Franklin High School. A three-year varsity member, she led her team in goals (44), assists (6) and points (50) as a junior and was named to the Baltimore County All-Division Team that same season.

Himes, an attacker / midfielder, has been one of the top offensive threats for Perry Hall over the past few seasons. As a junior, she ranked first in goals (43), assists (10) and points (53) as her team made it to the 4A / 3A Maryland State Regional Quarterfinals. For her efforts she was named First Team All-Baltimore County and earned a spot on the Baltimore County All-Division Team.

Kaestner, a midfielder, has posted 29 goals and 64 points over the past two years as a member of the varsity squad at Roland Park Country School. She also added 60 ground balls and 17 caused turnovers. A dual-sport athlete, Kastner is also a member of the field hockey team.

Muscella, a goalkeeper, took over the starting role last season after appearing on the varsity squad as a backup in 2009. She recorded a 5.95 goals against average and a .480 save percentage as her team made it all the way to the 2010 Maryland State 4A / 3A Championship game. A Second Team All-Upper Chesapeake Bay Athletic Conference selection, Muscella also plays field hockey.

Petrone, a defender, has played three years of varsity lacrosse at Bel Air High School. In 2008, she helped her team make it to the Maryland State 3A / 2A First Round. Outside of lacrosse, she also played field hockey, earning Second Team All-Baltimore County honors in 2010.