Dec. 6, 2002

Stony Brook, N.Y. - The Stony Brook University softball program signed three high school seniors to national letters-of-intent, head coach Megan Bryant announced. Margaret Blair, Sarah Hoffman and Rachael Vogl will play for the Seawolves in the 2004 season.

"We are excited that Rachael, Sarah and Margaret have decided to join us," Bryant said. "All three are committed to academic and athletic excellence and are truly versatile players. They are wonderful people and their personalities, ambitions and goals fit so well with our team."

Margaret Blair, an All-League and All-Section honoree from Lake Peekskill, N.Y., will bring versatility after playing both third base and behind the plate for Walter Panas High School and the Long Island Chargers.

"Margaret is a great addition to our program," Bryant said. "She is a smart, disciplined hitter who will get better and better at the plate. Defensively, she is versatile and will be counted on behind the plate as well as both corners. Margaret possesses those intangibles every coach wants to see - great work ethic, passion for the game and desire to succeed."

Sarah Hoffman comes to Stony Brook from nearby Commack, N.Y. A pitcher and utility player for Commack High School and the Long Island Chargers, she was an All-League, All-Conference and All-County selection.

"Sarah is an excellent athlete and brings so much to the table for us," Bryant said. "She can pitch, play on the dirt and in the outfield and can swing the bat. I think that Sarah is the best all-around player on Long Island in her class and will really develop at the next level as she gets stronger and is challenged."

Rachael Vogl, like Blair, played both third base and behind the plate for Notre Dame High School in Millbrae, Calif. Vogl, who had a batting average of .444 with an on-base percentage of .579 last year, received All-League honors and was named a Venture Scholar and a member of the California Scholarship Federation. She also plays for the West Bay Nuggets Gold.

"Rachael has all the tools to be an impact player for our team," Bryant said. "She can swing the bat for power, lay down the bunt and see the ball really well. Defensively, she will be a leader behind the plate and give us help at third base. An outstanding student, Rachael was drawn to SBU's biology program and I know that she will make the most of the academic opportunities available to her."

Bryant enters her third season with the Seawolves this spring. Stony Brook finished 25-27 overall, 10-14 in the America East Conference in 2002.