FAIRFIELD, Conn. - Three student athletes signed national letters of intent to play softball and attend Fairfield University beginning with the 2008-09 academic year. Softball Head Coach Julie Brzezinski will welcome Maleah Cousineau (Otto, N.C.), Kayla Marth (Easton, Md.), and Allison Wigand (Oceanside, N.Y.) to campus next Fall.

            "I am very happy to bring three outstanding student athletes to Fairfield University," Brzezinski said. "Maleah, Kayla, and Alli are talented players who could make an immediate contribution next season. I look forward to coaching all three players over the next four years."

            Cousineau is the first North Carolina native to play at Fairfield under Brzezinski. She possesses strong, defensive skills as a catcher. Her quick release and accuracy should keep base runners in check throughout the season. She is a three-sport athlete at Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School, also playing volleyball and basketball. She also played softball with the GA Elite under the guidance of former All-America player Chenita Rogers.

            "We are excited to sign a player of Maleah's ability at Fairfield," Brzezinski said. "Her extensive Gold travel ball experience will help her make the transition to the college game immediately."

            Marth offers her teammates a very versatile player who can contribute as a catcher, a second or third baseman, and as an outfielder. She is an aggressive player, especially defensively, which should give her opportunities to enter the lineup in 2009. Marth also played softball with the MD Legends Gold team. She intends to major in chemistry at Fairfield University.

            "Kayla is a game-breaker and can change the complexion of the game with one swing of the bat," Brzezinski said. "Her knowledge behind the plate, in the infield and in the outfield, should allow her to get a lot of different looks at different positions. She has a passion for the game and for everything she does."

            Wigand has all the tools necessary to be successful as a collegiate shortstop, including soft hands and a strong arm. She has good range and can turn apparent base hits into outs. Wigand is a consistent hitter with the ability to hit the ball into the gaps on a regular basis. A two-sport athlete at Oceanside High School, Wigand played softball and soccer during her career. She was a member of the Long Island Fire & Ice Storm team, and earned the most valuable player award at the 2007 Nike Summer Softball Camp.

            "Alli plays the game of softball the way it should be played - with passion and heart," Brzezinski said. "Her athleticism will allow her to challenge for a number of spots and her bat should place her in the lineup daily."

            The Fairfield University softball team opens the 2008 season in Orlando, Fla. when it participates in the Rebel Games. The Stags are coming off a 20-24 season under Brzezinski, her 11^th season at the helm.