Tigers, Colonels complete soccer classes; LSU’s among nation’s best

With all of the glamour and headlines going to the football version, collegiate soccer also had its National Signing Day on Wednesday.

LSU built on an NCAA Tournament season and added 10 players in their 2010 class – a class heralded by most recruiting services as one of the best in America.

Among the LSU signees are the No. 1 recruits in Louisiana, Florida and South Carolina.

“This is a monumental day in the history of the LSU soccer program,” LSU soccer coach Brian Lee said of his class. “We are fortunate to sign a group of young women that will rank among the top signing classes in the country this season. This will be a class that will build on the foundation established by the seniors and take us to another level with our ultimate goal of competing for SEC championships and Final Fours.”

The Tigers received letters of intent from five players in the TopDrawerSoccer.com National 100 for the Class of 2010 rankings, including the nation’s No. 33-ranked player, Addie Eggleston and the nation’s No. 37-ranked player, Kaley Blades.

Both players are forwards and are expected to give the Tigers an offensive spark for the next four seasons.

The Tigers’ commitments will join a team that made it to the second round of the NCAA Tournament last season.

Lee said the 10 players the team signed will pave the way for the team to have more success in the future.

“We look forward to what the future will bring for this group of young women,” he said.

Nicholls State also built momentum for the 2010 season and signed five players.

Last season was the first season for the Colonels since the program was reinstated and the team went 4-15-1.

Headlining the Colonels class are Riley Marschalk and Amanda Bennett.

Marschalk was a utility player at Greenbrier High School and she was also a member of the 92 Augusta Arsenal club soccer team.

“Riley’s ability to read the game will bring a needed sense of composure to our defense,” said Nicholls coach Dylan Harrison.

Bennett lands in Thibodaux after a four-year career as a starter at Cava High School in Huntington Beach, California. Harrison said Bennett will be a forward for the team in the fall.

“Amanda’s skill on the ball will give us an added look in our attack as we go forward,” the coach said.