Dec. 1, 2010
Stony Brook, N.Y. - Stony Brook softball coach Megan Bryant announced today that Shayla Giosia (Runnemede, N.J.) and Allison Cukrov (Irvine, Ca.) have signed national letters of intent to play for the Seawolves in 2012. Bryant also announced the addition of walk-on Lauren Kamachi (Surrey, British Columbia) to the 2012 squad as well.
"We are excited that Shayla, Allison and Lauren have decided to join the Seawolves softball program," Bryant said. All three are committed to excellence in the classroom and on the playing field and Stony Brook is a great fit academically, athletically and personally. With this class, we have added pitching, power and speed, improved our defensive depth and brought three highly competitive players into our program. We look forward to welcoming Shayla, Allison and Lauren and their families to campus next fall."
Giosia, an infielder and outfielder, hit .488 with 49 hits and 27 stolen bases for Gloucester Catholic High School in 2010. She was named a first-team All-Tri County selection, a first-team All-South Jersey selection and a first-team All-Conference selection last season, while earning second-team All-State distinction. In addition to her exploits at Gloucester Catholic, Giosia has also excelled with the Indian Mills Mystics Gold travel team under head coach Stacy Jones.
"Shayla is a smart, versatile and athletic player with a nice combination of power and speed," Bryant explained. "She can hit it long or drop a bunt and beat it out. Shayla can contribute defensively in the middle infield and in the outfield. She is a competitor and she knows what it takes to win. Shayla may not be the biggest player on the field, but she will beat you."
Cukrov, a pitcher and first baseman, will join the Seawolves from Irvine High School and the SoCal Wicked travel team. During her career at Irvine, Cukrov has been named first-team All-City and first-team All-League and has led the team to three straight CIF playoff appearances, including an 18-8 record in 2010. As a junior, Cukrov posted a 5-0 record with 46 strikeouts in 33 innings, while batting .379.
"Allison is highly-intelligent, hard working and is driven to succeed and achieve her goals," Bryant said. "She has great upside as a pitcher and her development over the past few months has been tremendous. I believe Allison will flourish in a Division-I program as she gains strength and works consistently with our pitching coach."
The third addition to the 2012 squad, Kamachi will add another versatile presence as an outfielder and third baseman. She will join Stony Brook from Semiahmoo Secondary School and the White Rock Renegades. Playing for head coach Dave Burns for White Rock, Kamachi established herself as a gritty player with a powerful swing.
"Lauren is a knowledgable and hard-working player who likes to swing the bat and brings power to our lineup," Bryant said. "She possesses a good knowledge of the game, is tremendously disciplined in her approach and has gained excellent experience playing with the White Rock Renegades."
The Seawolves are coming off a 32-win season and a trip to the America East championship final in 2010. Stony Brook will open the 2011 campaign at the Longwood Spring Classic on Feb. 26.
