By JOHN ARUNDEL
Managing Editor 

Bishop Ireton High School this week announced the signings of seven members of the Varsity Girls Lacrosse team to college commitments.  

Joined by Principal Tim Hamer, Athletic Director Bill Simmons, Coaches Cara Hurrin and Steve Tela as well as the teammates and family members, the seniors signed National Letters of Intent and commitment letters to compete at division I and division II programs starting in the fall of 2009. 

Players formally making official collegiate commitments are Claire Banta, Alexandria, VA (University of Virginia), Brittany Barnwell, Mason Neck, VA (Queens University), Maria Bowman, Alexandria, VA (Villanova University), Allie Fife, Alexandria, VA (Mount Saint Mary’s University), Lauren Gray, Alexandria, VA (Georgetown University), Ashton Hellmuth, Alexandria, VA (Lehigh University) and Heather Olson, Alexandria, VA (St. Joseph’s University).   

Bishop Ireton finished the 2008 season with a 17-5 overall record, advancing to the finals of the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference and Virginia Independent School state semifinals and finished the season ranked 89th out of over 2400 high school lacrosse programs nationally for the first time. 

Last season’s team also posted an impressive collection of awards and accolades including two All Americans, four Academic All Americans, three All Met selections, four All Area, one first team All State, three first team All WCAC and five second team All WCAC.  Bishop Ireton also sent five players to the US Lacrosse Women’s Division National Tournament.   

The Cardinals return 18 varsity players in 2009, including 11 seniors and open the season at home against Robinson High School on March 14.