NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Belmont women's soccer Head Coach Lisa Howe announced that five student-athletes signed National Letters of Intent this week, committing to play for the Bruins beginning in the fall of 2008. The players hailing from Arkansas (Caroline Benton), Arizona (Sari Lin), and Tennessee (Jamie Loftis, Morgan McBride, Gretchen Sutch) will help BU build on one of its most successful years in program history.

“I am pleased with the balance of this recruiting class,” said Howe. “There is a blend of attacking players, speed, skill, defenders. All of these athletes have competed regionally and nationally. Many of them are captains of their teams. They play for experienced and knowledgeable coaches.”

Benton will join the Bruins after completing her high school career at Little Rock Christian Academy, a program that has been AAAA State Finalists twice in the last three years. A highly decorated player, Benton has been selected All-Conference and All-State four times. In 2005, she was named to the Arkansas Democrat Gazette’s All Arkansas Team. A strong, attacking center midfielder, she was also a member of the Arkansas State ODP Team from 2001-06. Benton played her club ball for Little Rock Futbol Club.

“Caroline is smooth with the soccer ball at her feet. She is able to skillfully beat opponents with the pass or dribble. I think she will add to our team’s attacking abilities.”

Carefree, Ariz., native Lin will join the Bruins after finishing her career at Cactus Shadows High. The gifted netminder will bring with her three years of Arizona State Team ODP experience. Lin has been a member of the Sereno Soccer Club since 2001, helping the club to earn six Arizona State Cup Championship titles. The club advanced out of its bracket five of those six times at the Far West Regional Tournament.

“Sari is a talented goalkeeper. She is aggressive and athletic. Sari is an excellent shot stopper. Sari is good with her feet and will be known for her offensive skills as much as her defensive skills.”

The first of the newcomers from Tennessee is Loftis, who hails from Hermitage. She will join the ranks of the Bruins after completing her career at Donelson Christian Academy. Loftis, a versatile player who has seen action in the middle, front and back, has received numerous honors over her career including earning NCSSA All-America honors twice and being named TACA All-State three times. She currently plays club for the Brentwood Soccer Club Real Madrid and helped lead the Nashville Metros to the Tennessee State Cup semifinals in 2006. Loftis also plays basketball at DCA and holds the school record for assists with a total of 519.

“Jamie is extremely versatile. She is coachable and has incredible athletic instinct. Jamie has never been a year round soccer player. Now that she will be a one sport athlete, her potential is tremendous.”

Collierville native McBride will join Belmont after finishing at Collierville High. She helped her CHS team to become back-to-back AAA State Finalists (2006, 2007). McBride was earned TACA All-State honors in 2007. The midfielder played club for the Germantown Soccer Club Fury 90 Premier, helping the team to the Region 3 Premier League West Championship in 2006. The team also was a two-time Tennessee State Cup Semi-Finalist (2004, 2006).

“Morgan is the ultimate team player. She is coachable and a fast learner. Morgan is a possession oriented player with quality distribution skills. She reads the game well and is a ball winner in the middle of the field.”

The final new addition from the state of Tennessee is Knoxville native Sutch. She will join the ranks of the Bruins after completing her career at Knoxville Catholic High. The three-time All-State honoree has helped her KCHS team to make waves in the State Tournament, including A/AA State Finalist (2005), Semi-Finalist (2006) and Quarter-Finalist (2007). Sutch, who has recorded 96 goals and 47 assists during her stint at KCHS, has received All-District, All-Region and All-State honors. She played club for 2007 Tennessee State Cup Finalist Smoky Mountain Soccer Club Cruzeiro and was a member of the Tennessee State ODP Team from 2001-03.

“As a left footed forward, Gretchen gives us another attacking weapon. She can get to the end line and turn the corner. She can score goals. As a forward, she works hard defensively and fits into our system.”

“Due to graduation, we have some big shoes to fill, and I think this class helps us fill our vacancies. This is a skillful group, and we would like to have more control of games. This 2008 signing class makes us a better team.”