U-M Signs Two from Pennsylvania, One from California

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- University of Michigan field hockey head coach Nancy Cox announced today (Tuesday, Feb. 7) that three high school seniors -- Kelly Fitzpatrick (Hummelstown, Pa./Palmyra), Paige Laytos (Lititz, Pa./Warwick HS) and Alexandra Zeringue (Fallbrook, Calif./Union HS) -- have committed to attend U-M and play field hockey for the Wolverines during the 2006 season.

Alexandra Zeringue, Kelly Fitzpatrick, Paige Laytos

"Our overall team speed and athleticism is going to improve with the addition of the '06 class," said Cox. "The groups' overall competitiveness is exceptional. We believe they will complement our current athletes with their competitive spirit and drive to excel at a high level. We believe they will continue the succession of highly competitive young women who have chosen Michigan. We expect all three to compete for playing time in the fall."

Fitzpatrick, a forward, comes to Michigan after completing one of the greatest high school careers in Pennsylvania history. A three-time NFHCA All-America selection, Fitzpatrick scored 66 goals in her senior season to lead the nation in scoring and set Pennsylvania state records in career goals (155) and single-season goals (66). She earned all-state distinction all four years and helped Palmyra to a state championship in '05 and semifinalist performances in 2003 and '04. Fitzpatrick was also a two-year member of the U16 U.S. National Team, captaining the squad in 2004, and a four-time United States Field Hockey Association Future Elite selection (2002, '03, '04, and '05).

"Kelly comes from a long line of Palmyra Cougars who have earned their degrees and spent their careers wearing Maize and Blue, most notably Ashley Reichenbach, who served as one of our captains in our first Final Four appearance," said Cox. "Kelly verbally committed to Michigan as a junior while on campus for Junior Day. Kelly has consistently said that she has had aspirations of playing for Michigan. Through her commitment to hockey and performing in the classroom, her dream will become a reality, and we're thrilled."

A midfielder, Laytos, will join the Michigan program after serving as a four-year starter at Warwick High School. A three-time all-state selection, she claimed NFHCA All-America first team honors in her senior season. Laytos was also a Futures Elite selection and a two-time AAU Junior Olympics participant (2003, '04), and, as a member of Team West Chester, she claimed three consecutive gold medals at the National Futures Tournament (2003, '04, '05).

"Paige is the consummate competitor," said Cox, "an athlete who demands excellence from herself and those around her. She's tough and doesn't relent. We will look for her to join the ranks of our midfielders. Paige had tremendous opportunities at other top 10 hockey schools and chose Michigan. In discussing her decision, she described Michigan as academically and athletically the best fit and best challenge for her to meet her goals."

Zeringue, a forward, comes to Michigan as a top high school prospect out of California. She garnered Player of the Year accolades by both the North County Times and San Diego Union Tribune after leading Fullbrook Union High with 30 goals and 11 assists in her senior season. A two-time team MVP, Zeringue earned All-California Interscholastic Federation recognition in each of her last two seasons. She is a 2006 Futures Elite selection and previously competed in the 2004 Junior Olympics and two National Futures Tournaments (2004, '05).

"Throughout the recruiting process Alex consistently said that Michigan was her number one school," said Cox. "Alexandra is a speed merchant with exceptional overall athleticism. Alex is a ruthless competitor and her passion for success is clearly demonstrated on the field. Her ability to strike the ball is very good at this point in her career. We believe she will add tremendous speed and quickness to our attack."

The Wolverines (16-8, 3-3 Big Ten) concluded the 2005 campaign with their seventh straight NCAA Tournament appearance after capturing the Big Ten Tournament for the third time in program history.

Name	Pos.	Hometown (High School)
Kelly Fitzpatrick	F	Hummelstown, Pa. (Palmyra)
Paige Laytos	M	Lititz, Pa. (Warwick)
Alexandra Zeringue	F	Fallbrook, Calif. (Union)

Contact: Leah Howard (734) 763-4423

University of Michigan Athletics

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