HOBOKEN, N.J. (March 28, 2008) – With everyone returning from last year, Head Coach John Crawford (Seattle, Wash.) of the Stevens Institute of Technology women’s outdoor track and field team feels confident to repeat another successful outdoor season. The Ducks will have nine new additions to the roster as they look forward to make their debut performance in the Empire 8. Last season, Stevens established six new records.

Junior captain Sara Amitrani (Middletown, N.J.) and sophomore captains Melissa Franzese (Brooklyn, N.Y.), Laura Goodman (Princeton Junction, N.J.) and Erica Bakelmun (Wayne, N.J.) will lead the Ducks in 2008. Last season, Amitrani recorded a school-best in the mile run (5:40.53) and 5,000-meter run (19:41.74). Franzese is going to compete in the 5,000-meter run and will work towards improving on Amitrani’s previous record. Goodman, who produced a school record in the high jump (1.57 meters (5’2”)) last season, will also see time in the hammer event as well.

Junior Salme Cook (Fairfax, Va.) is slotted to sprint in the 200-meter and 400-meter dashes for the Ducks. Junior Rachel Cannell (Asbury, N.J.) will handle most of the throwing duties for Stevens. She is the favorite to compete in the hammer throw, shot put and discus throw. Sophomore Myriam Petitpierre (Austin, Texas) will make her collegiate track and field debut this season as she will perform in the hammer throw, javelin and discus throw.

Freshmen Caroline Pawalowski (Nutley, N.J.) and Ellyn Griggs (Hillsboro, N.J.) will be key contributors to the field events for the Ducks in 2008. Pawalowski is expected to make an immediate impact in the triple jump and long jump competitions.

Stevens will open up the 2008 season when it travels to West Point, N.Y. to compete in the Army Open on Saturday at 11 a.m.