BOSTON - Boston University women's basketball head coach Margaret McKeon has announced that Shannon Petranoff (Cranston, R.I./Cranston West), Katie Meinhart (San Francisco, CA/St. Ignatious Prep) and Rachael Vanderwal (Stoney Creek, ONT/Bishop Ryan Catholic) have signed National Letters of Intent to play for the Terriers beginning in the 2002-2003 season.

"I'm very excited about this recruiting class," said McKeon. "They know how to win and know why they're coming here. They are committed to seeing this program succeed."

Petranoff, a 6-foot-2 forward, averaged 16.1 points and 11.2 rebounds last season while leading Cranston West to the Rhode Island State Championship. Petranoff, who was the state champion in the javelin throw as a junior, chose B.U. over Providence College and Northeastern.

"She's a physical, strong post player who uses her body well," said McKeon. "We'll be looking for her as a defensive presence. Offensively, she has the potential to be a major low-post threat."

Meinhardt, a 5-foot-9 shooting guard, averaged a league-best 16.1 points per game as a junior for St. Ignatious, earning All-Metropolitan and All-League honors. In the first eight games of this season, Meinhardt averaged 20.0 points and 3.3 assists per game.

"Katie is an exciting scorer and a crowd pleaser," said McKeon. "She's very skilled, can pass, handle the ball, and has a scorer's mentality. She's talented, a vocal leader on the floor, and will be fun to watch."

Vanderwal, a 5-foot-9 guard, led Bishop Ryan Catholic to an OFSAA Provincial Championship in 2001 while averaging 16.3 points and 12.0 rebounds. Vanderwal, a five-year starter under head coach Dave Strecker, was a three-time Conference and City All-Star selection and was twice named team Most Valuable Player.

"Rachel's a point guard with great athletic ability," said McKeon. "She's a fierce defender with quick feet. Offensively, she's a floor general who can create and dish and has three-point shooting range."

The Terriers are enjoying their best record in seven seasons at 11-7 and play at America East-rival Hartford tomorrow (Jan. 30) at 7 p.m.