Women's Soccer Reveals 2014 Recruiting Class

BUFFALO, NY – First year head coach Shawn Burke announced three signings for his first recruiting class for the University at Buffalo women's soccer program on Thursday. Joining the Bulls for next season will be Julia Benati, Laura Dougall and Jessica Marlowe.

"Although a small class, I have no doubt they can all contribute and have an impact right away," said head coach Shawn Burke. "Laura and Julia's experience with the National Training Center and Jessica's success in Western New York are a sure recipe for success. We've not only identified talented individuals, but student-athletes who will bring passion and a winning mentality day in and day out."

Benati joins the Bulls from nearby Dorchester, Ontario where she started for the Nor West Wildcats U17 team in the Ontario Youth Soccer League and Lord Dorchester Secondary School. Last season for Nor West, Benati led her team and ranked second in the league in goals. In addition to her club and high school duties, she has been training at the National Training Center in Canada and was a candidate for the Canada Summer games in 2013.

Coach Burke on Benati: "Julia is a crafty, playmaking center midfielder. Her ability to see the game and expose other teams backline will be a huge addition to the UB attack. Her work ethic and desire should make her not only an impact player for the Bulls, but a dominant force in the MAC conference."

Benati's Resume

Nor West Wildcats U17
Dorchester Fusion
North London Galaxy
London Gryphons
2^nd leading scorer in the Ontario Youth Soccer League
Trained for the Canada Summer Games in 2013
Ranked 2^nd in league in goals as a senior

Laura Dougall is another Ontario product coming to Buffalo from Dunbarton High School in Pickering. Dougall was a three-year varsity member and was named Most Valuable Player as a junior for her fantastic season between the pipes. She led her team to the 2009 Ontario Cup Championship. She is currently a member of the FC Durham academy and also has club stints with Ajax 96 Red and Pickering Power 96 as the starting goalkeeper. During the 2010 season, Dougall led the Ontario Youth Soccer League in goals against. She was a member of Team Ontario during the 2011 and 2012 seasons and also attended the Canadian Nation Training Camp this past season.

Coach Burke on Dougall: "Laura is a dominating presence in net. Her height, athleticism and skill set will prove to be a valuable asset for years to come. Her experience playing up age groups and getting some opportunities with the National Training Center in Canada has helped prepare her for the college transition and the ability to play right away."

Dougall's Resume

Dunbarton High Scool
FC Durham Academy
Ajax 96 Red
Pickering Power 96
Team MVP as a junior
Least goals allowed in the Ontario Youth Soccer League in 2010
Member of Team Ontario in 2011 and 2012
Attended Canadian National Training Camp in 2013

Greece, NY product Jessica Marlowe joins UB after a prolific five-year prep career at Greece Odyssey Academy. The two-year captain was named to the All-State team three times and was also the first athlete from her high school to be named to the First Team All-Greater Rochester three times. This high scoring forward set the school record for goals and assists while only playing until her junior season, following an injury that kept her off the field as a senior. She led her team to four Section V titles, three Regional titles and a State Championship, during her junior season. On the club side, Marlowe led her teams to four straight Western NY State Cup Championships. In addition to her high school and club duties, she is a two-year member of the New York Olympic Development team.

Coach Burke on Marlowe: "Jess is one of the top players coming out of western New York this fall. Her experience with Rochester Futbol Club and Empire United Soccer Academy will allow her to bring a high soccer IQ to our program. She's a versatile player who could see time at multiple positions."

Marlowe's Resume

Greece Odyssey Academy
Rochester Futbol Club (three NY State Cup Championships)
Empire Revolution Soccer club (one NY State Cup Championship)
Western New York Olympic Development Team
All-State team (three times)
All-County team (three times)
All-Greater Rochester team (three times)
NSCAA All-Region II team as a junior
Team MVP (twice)
School record for goals and assists
Two-year team captain in high school

The three newcomers will look to boost a deep team that lost a handful of experienced veterans, but return eight starters and 18 letter winners from last year's team that finished with an overall record of 6-9-3.

University at Buffalo Athletics

Women's Soccer Reveals 2014 Recruiting Class

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