RICHMOND, Va. - Virginia Commonwealth University field hockey Coach Kelly McQuade announced the signing of four recruits for the 2008 season Monday.

"I am very excited about my first incoming freshmen class,” said McQuade. “Each of them will bring a renewed sense of pride to our Ram Family and will provide an immediate challenge to our current roster for playing time. This is a great group of young women and I am looking forward to seeing their growth both on and off the field. I feel that they represent the success and style of play that will be VCU Field Hockey."

Lyndsey Butler was a first-team All-District, All-Region and All-State defender at W.T. Woodson High in Fairfax, Va. She earned first-team recognition in the Fairfax Extra and Washington Examiner and the title of Digitalsports.com Defensive Player of the Year.

Erin Jablonski was an All-District goalkeeper at Charlottesville, Va.’s Albemarle High School. Jablonski was named first-team All-District as a senior and team MVP as a junior and senior.

Hannah Lyerly was a state-recognized forward at Lafayette High School team in Williamsburg, Va. Lyerly was named All-District for three consecutive years, and All-Region and All-State for two years. In 2007, Lyerly was named Bay Rivers District Player of the Year.

Meg Thaxton was a first-team All-District, All-Region and All-State forward at W.T. Woodson High. As a senior, Thaxton was a member of the All-Northern Region tournament team and named the Washington Examiner’s Player of the Year. Thaxton also was named first-team All-District, second-team All-Region in lacrosse.

In her first season as head coach in 2007, McQuade oversaw a dramatic improvement within the VCU program. Her youthful Rams’ team finished 5-13 overall, and loses just four seniors.