ERIE, Pa. - Gannon head women's lacrosse coach Alicia Groveston announced the signing of Megan Clumpus (Whitby, Ontario/Donald A. Wilson S.S.), Jenna Hughes (Morgantown, W.Va./University), and Jess Fugate (Wooster, Ohio/Wooster) during the NCAA's early signing period on Tuesday. The trio represents Groveston's first signees since being named head coach last summer.
“The young ladies who have decided to continue their academic and athletic careers at Gannon will make their presence known on and off the field,” said Groveston. “All three are incredibly smart, well-rounded, and kind-hearted. They will make a big impact here academically and athletically.”
Clumpus has led Donald A. Wilson (Ontario) Secondary School to three consecutive Ontario Federation of School Athletic Association (OFSAA) and Lake Ontario Secondary School Athletics (LOSSA) top-three finishes. The Gators finished second in the LOSSA and third in the OFSAA during Clumpus' junior season. The 5'5” defender was named “Most Improved Player” as a sophomore when Donald A. Wilson S.S. finished second in the OFSAA and third in the LOSSA.
“Megan represents our continued efforts to search internationally for the best student-athletes,” noted Groveston. “Her solid defensive fundamentals and footwork will allow her to make an immediate impact on our program. I am excited to see her collegiate career unfold.”
Fugate has been a three-year varsity starter at Wooster (Ohio) High School. The 5'6” midfielder led the team in goals (45) and assists (12) last season, earning her second consecutive Offensive Player of the Year honor. She served as a co-captain last spring and will be in that role again as a senior in 2009.
“I am excited to have Jess join the Gannon family,” said Groveston. “She is not only an excellent athlete with amazing work ethic and motivation, but a great person. Jess should contribute immediately and give our midfield support.”
Fugate has 109 career goals in three seasons, leading the team the last two campaigns. She has dished out 32 assists during the last three seasons, being Wooster's leader in the category every year. Fugate set the school's single-game scoring record as a sophomore with seven goals. She was named to the Division I Ohio North All-League and Great Lakes National teams as a sophomore.
Academically, Fugate has been a member of the honor roll every year. She was named a Scholar-Athlete twice.
Hughes led University (W.Va.) High School and ranked second in the state with 64 goals as a junior. The 5'11” midfielder served as a team captain last season while earning all-state honors.
“Jenna's height and field vision allows her to see the field and create opportunities,” noted Groveston. “She will be an explosive addition to our program. I expect big things from her.”
Hughes is a member of the National Honor Society, serving as the organization's historian. She also received a Distinguished Writing Assessment award.
Gannon, one of the top women's lacrosse programs in NCAA Division II, reached double digits in victories last season for the fourth consecutive season with an 11-4 record. The Lady Knights have never had a losing season in the program's 13-year history.
