July 9, 2008

PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Providence College Head Field Hockey Coach Diane Madl announced today (July 9, 2008) that five freshmen will join the roster for the upcoming 2008 season. The five newcomers include goalkeeper Shannon DiStefano (Longmeadow, Mass.), forward/midfielder Stephanie Matone (Washington, N.J.), forward Ashley Mulkey (Windham, N.H.), midfielder/defender Katie Myers (Macungie, Pa.) and midfielder/defender Deirdre Quinn (Walpole, Mass.).

DiStefano, who captained her team as a senior, is a four-time Republican All-Scholastic selection and two-time member of the Republican Super Seven for Western Massachusetts. She helped guide Longmeadow High School to four league titles and helped the program finish as Western Massachusetts Champs three times. During her career, Longmeadow posted a 62-3-7 overall record. She is the daughter of Tim and Louise DiStefano.

Matone is a two-time Skyland Conference Raritan Division player, who attended Mount Saint Mary Academy (N.J.). She also is a two time Courier News and Star Ledger All-County selection. During her career, Matone earned four varsity letters and tallied 61 points on 25 goals and 11 assists. She is the daughter of Christine and Peter Matone.

Mulkey earned four varsity letters and served two seasons as captain of her field hockey team at Salem High School. She is a four-time Scholar-Athlete Award Winner and was honored as Student of the Month in May of 2007 by the NH/Methuen, Mass. Rotary Club in recognition of outstanding community service. As a senior, Mulkey was named NHADA High School Female Athlete of the Year. She is the daughter of Jerilyn Mulkey and Rich Nadeau.

Myers comes to Providence via one of the top field hockey programs in the country. During her career at Emmaus she earned three varsity letters in field hockey and was named Second Team All-State as a senior. She helped to guide Emmaus to three LVIAC and District XI Championships. She also was helped the program capture two PIAA State Championships in 2005 and 2007, at which time Emmaus was named TOPOFTHECIRCLE.com National Champions. She is the daughter of Tom and Ellen Myers.

Quinn earned two varsity letters at Walpole High School and will join former Walpole defender, junior Kerianne Murphy on the Friars' roster in the fall. In her first season with the varsity program at Walpole, Quinn earned Rookie of the Year honors, and was one of the team's starting defenders en route to the Division I Massachusetts State Championship. She was named captain of her team as a senior. She is the daughter of Maura and Paul Quinn.

The Providence College field hockey team has been a mainstay in the national rankings each of the last two seasons (2006, 2007) and has advanced to the BIG EAST Conference Championship Game during each of those seasons as well. A year ago, Providence finished the season with a 14-8 overall record and a 4-2 mark in the BIG EAST. The 2008 team will open the regular-season schedule with two games in Charlottesville, Va. On August 30, Providence will face William & Mary and will follow with a match-up against Virginia on August 31.

- FRIARS -