June 9, 2003

Head Softball Coach Pee Jay Brun announced the signing of four student-athletes to National Letters of Intent to play softball at Siena beginning in the fall. Pitcher Jannelle Iaquinto (Willingham, Mass./Arlington Catholic) is joined by local product Jennifer Griner (Niskayuna, N.Y./South Colonie) as entering members of the Class of 2007, while Megan Woltz and Jennifer Barth will make the cross-country journey to Loudonville where they will complete the final two years of their softball eligibility after starring their careers at Riverside Community College in California.

Iaquinto closed out her high school career as the school's all-time leader in strikeouts. The 5-9 pitcher tossed two no-hitters as a junior and recorded eight shutouts and a 0.89 earned run average. During her stellar career, she was recognized on the Boston Globe All-League team as well as the Boston Herald All-Scholastic team.

Brun on Iaquinto: "Jannelle is a strong pitcher with a tough mindset that should enable her to step in and contribute immediately in the circle. We will also count on her powerful bat to add some much-needed pop to the middle of our lineup."

Griner has dominated Capital Region pitching the past three seasons. Griner set the single-season school records for hits (33), runs (19) and stolen bases (12) as a junior for 21-2 Colonie. The accomplishments landed her Suburban Council Player of the Year kudos as well as recognition on the 2002 Troy Record First Team.

Brun on Griner: "Jennifer adds speed and vision to our outfield, where she could see playing time from the start. Her offensive production in high school speaks for itself, and we anxiously await her arrival on campus."

Woltz is a utility player who is equally adept in the infield or outfield. The slapper batted .362 with seven doubles at Riverside en route to being selected First Team All Conference.

Brun on Woltz: "Megan is a quick defender whose range will be an asset in the infield or outfield. Offensively, she has the potential to step in and contribute near the top of the everyday lineup, where she will compliment our current chemistry nicely. We will also count on her experience in junior college for added veteran leadership."

Barth was also a First Team All-Conference selection at Riverside, where she served as the everyday catcher. This past season, she batted .303 with six doubles a triple and a home run.

Brun on Barth: "Jennifer is a very sound all-around player who knows the game well and will be a tremendous defensive leader behind the plate. She is a consistent hitter who has the ability to launch the long ball if need be. We expect immediate contributions from Jennifer in the spring."

The quartet marks the completion of the first group of recruits for Brun who just ended her first season as at Siena. The Saints enjoyed one of their finest seasons in program history, qualifying for the four-team MAAC Championships for the first time.