DURHAM, N.C. -- Duke University women's lacrosse head coach Kerstin Kimel has announced the signing of seven players to attend Duke in the fall and play lacrosse.

"This is by far the most talented recruiting class that our program has secured in the short history of our program," said Kimel.

The Blue Devils will welcome Corinne Broesler (Babylon, NY), Cheryl Lynn Horton (Walnut Creek, Ca.), Lauren Kickham (Ellicott City, Md.), Caline McHenry (Reisterstown, Md.), Meghan Miller (Severna Park, Md.), Lindsay "Carter" Piechnik (Slingerlands, NY), and Sheila Powenski (Orchard Park, NY).

"What is most exciting to me is that each of these players are not only extremely talented athletes, but tremendous students and most importantly, they are tremendous people," said Kimel. "I am confident that each of them will see success in our program as they possess many of the qualities that we feel have been crucial in the success of our current players and our most recent teams."

Broesler (5-7, attack) was a 1999 first team U.S. Lacrosse High School All-American and played on the Long Island I Schoolgirl team in 1998 and 99, while attending St. Anthony's H.S. "Corinne is a great attacker with tremendous game sense and worth ethic," said Kimel. "We will look to use her as a feeder and a finisher in our attacking unit."

Horton (5-7, midfield) led her Thacher School to the 1999 California State Championship. Kimel on Horton, "Cheryl Lynn is one of the best all-around athletes in this class. She possesses tremendous speed, athleticism, and competitiveness. As she continues to work hard and develop her skills, she will no doubt be able to impact our program in a very short amount of time."

Kickham (5-11, midfield) is out of Mount Hebron H.S. where she was named first team U.S. Lacrosse H.S. All-American, first team All-Baltimore Metro, and Howard County Player of the Year in 1999. All of this was while leading her team to the State Championships. She also played on the Chesapeake I Schoolgirl team in 1998 and 99. "Lauren hails from the No. 1 ranked high school team in the country according to Lacrosse Magazine," said Kimel. "She demonstrates great poise in high pressure games and I think this experience will give her the opportunity to be an impact player for us immediately."

McHenry (5-9, midfield/defense) is a 1999 second team All-Baltimore City selection from Roland Park Country School, who will also play soccer for Duke University. Kimel's comments on McHenry, "Caline's physical attributes are her greatest asset. She possesses speed, size, and a physical toughness that will help to make her transition to the Division I college level a smooth one."

Miller (5-7, defense) was a 1999 first team U.S. Lacrosse H.S. All-American, first team All-Baltimore Metro, and Anne Arundel County Player of the Year at Severna Park, H.S. She played on the Chesapeake I Schoolgirl team in 99 with Kickham. "Technically, Meg is one of the best defenders to come out of high school," said Kimel. "She possesses incredibly advanced defensive skills, awareness, and field sense. She also demonstrates her abilities to be an impact on the attack as well."

Piechnik (5-9, midfield) is out of Bethlehem Central H.S. where she was named to the 1999 Empire State Tournament All-Tournament team, NYS Final Four All-Tournament team, and first team All-Suburban Council (league). "Carter will be relied upon to provide elements of toughness and intensity to our program," said Kimel. "This is because she is possesses a tremendous work ethic and willingness to learn. She could be relied upon to play a number of different roles for us."

Powenski (5-10, goalie) is a left-handed goalkeeper who attended Hamburg, H.S. Kimel on Powenski, "We are excited about Sheila because of her desire to attend Duke and her determination to be a part of our program. Being left-handed will present a new facet for our defense and a challenge for our attackers in shooting."

Duke will be losing five seniors off their 2000 team including career scoring leader Tricia Martin and goalkeeper Shannon Chaney. Last season Duke advanced to their first ever Final Four and finished the season with a 13-5 record and a national ranking of No. 4. The Blue Devils will open their season on Feb. 29 at Virginia Tech.