ERIE, Pa. -- The Mercyhurst University women's water polo team has added eight newcomers for the 2013 season. The class includes seven freshmen and one junior. Coach Curtis Robinette's squad won 12 matches in 2012.
 
"All members of this year's recruiting class are exceptional student-athletes, who will form a solid core moving forward. This class is also very versatile with several players having the potential of playing a number of positions," said Robinette . "Many will be asked to take on a lot of responsibility in their first year, but I'm excited to see their growth throughout the season and over the next few years."
 
The Lakers return nine players from last season, including leading scorer Lisett Calderon. She was named an Association of Collegiate Water Polo Coaches (ACWPC) Second Team All-America selection after posting 63 goals and 18 assists.
 
A look at each of the new Lakers-
 
Annie Blackman (Worthington, Ohio)
 
Blackman played at Thomas Worthington, helping the Wolves to the state title in 2009. In 2010 and 2011, Blackman was named First Team All-Ohio.
 
"We are excited to welcome Annie to Mercyhurst. She brings much needed size and a big left-handed shot," said Robinette. "She will play several positions for us, both offensively and defensively right away."
 
Stephanie Fernandez (Chicago, Ill.)
 
Fernandez played at St. Ignatius and was a First Team All-Illinois pick as a senior. She was selected all-state First Team as a junior and a senior, along with being Fourth Team all-state in 2010.
 
"Stephanie is a great addition to our team and I expect big things from her over the next four years," said Robinette. "She is a natural leader and a wonderful teammate. She will add a lot of offensive firepower to our lineup immediately."
 
Adriana Izquierdo (Chicago, Ill.)
 
Izquierdo played at Mother McAuley Liberal Arts School. As a junior, she was selected Second Team All-Illinois. In her senior year, she was a Third Team All-State choice.
 
"Adrianna will be our second student-athlete from Mother McAuley, a prep school in Chicago with a long history of water polo success," said Robinette. "This school has produced several talented collegiate players that have played throughout the country, including our own Laura Perez (who graduated in May). With a little work and motivation, Adrianna can reach that same level."
 
Cailin Jope (Sacramento, Calif.)
 
Jope played two years at American River College and will have two years of eligibility at Mercyhurst. She was a two-time All-American in water polo and swimming, along with the 2012 Big 8 water polo MVP. She paced her team with 49 goals and 20 assists last season.
 
"Cailin is a very versatile player that will step into any role immediately and do whatever is needed to make us better," said Robinette. "She is a very experienced and intelligent player that reminds me a lot of Cassie Rand, who graduated from Mercyhurst in 2006. In just two seasons, Cassie is still sixth in school history in career goals and total points."
 
Claire Manley (Darien, Ill.)
 
Manley played at Hinsdale South. In 2011 and 2012, she was named to the West Suburban Conference All-Academic Team.
 
"A defensive specialist, Claire will bring much needed depth on that side of the pool. With a little experience, Claire will make significant contributions in the future," said Robinette.
 
Meagan Marques (Orlando, Fla.)
 
Marques played at Olympia and was a 2012 All-Metro First Team selection. She helped the team to the district finals in 2011 and 2012.

"Meagan is another talented utility player that will help us immediately both offensively and defensively. More importantly, she has a wonderful personality that will really help our overall team chemistry moving forward," said Robinette.
 
Jesse Ruth Sworden (Napoleon, Ohio)
 
Sworden played at Napoleon. She was a First Team All-Ohio player as a junior and a senior. She was also a Third Team All-America in 2012.
 
"Of all the talented recruits we have this year, I am most excited to see the growth of Jesse over the next four years," said Robinette. "A relative newcomer to water polo, Jesse has the size and speed to be a really great player, but she currently lacks the experience and confidence. With her relentless work ethic and versatility, I think she has a very high ceiling."
 
Aleeyse Utech (Granger, Ind.)
 
Utech played at Milford High in Ohio. She was a First Team All-Ohio pick in 2011 and 2012. As a senior, she earned the 2012 Coaches Award.
 
"Aleeyse brings much needed speed to our team. She is another athlete that has lots of potential and with a little more experience she will make significant contributions," said Robinette.

Release courtesy Mercyhurst University Athletic Communications