Cincinnati Women's Soccer Announces Signees

Cincinnati, Ohio. -- Four high school standouts have signed national letters of intent to play women's soccer at the University of Cincinnati this fall.

Joining the UC roster will be forwards Kristen Baluta (Buffalo Grove, Ill./Stevenson) and Lauren Buland (Indianapolis, Ind./Lawrence Central), midfielder Jennifer Sibert (Goshen, Ky./South Oldham) and goalkeeper Sherry Slye (Cincinnati, Ohio/Roger Bacon).

At Stevenson, Baluta is a team captain and has been an all-area choice after accumulating 25 goals and 22 assists in just two high school seasons. She begins her senior season this month. Off the field, Baluta was a quarterfinalist for the National Merit Scholarship and
was named to the all-state academic team. She has already been accepted to the honors program at UC.

"Kristen has all the technical tools and a great burst of speed," said Bearcat head coach Meridy Glenn. "Hopfully she will be able to completement our returning front-line players and ease the loss of All-American Ann Thomas."

As a senior, Buland was named honorable mention all-state in addition to earning all-district honors. Her club team, ISA Lighting, earned a state championship in 2001. Buland also lettered four times in swimming and twice in track at Lawrence Central. In addition, she earned a spot in National Honor Society.

"Lauren will serve a dual role in that she can play up top or drop back in the midfield," said Glenn. "She has great strength and speed and should help replace Nickie Luse and Leah Polaski in the midfield."

Sibert was recently named the Gatorade Kentucky High School Player of the Year. During her career, Sibert led South Oldham to four straight state championships, scoring 43 goals and adding 59 assists. Off the field, Sibert is involved in National Honor Society and Beta Club.

"Jennifer is an outstanding left-side player who will compliment our midfield line very well," said Glenn.

Slye was named an NSCAA All-American and the Co-Player of the Year in Ohio last fall. In addition, she was a co-captain and was the team MVP in 2001. In just two years as a starter, Slye registered 23 shutouts in goal.

"I've been watching Sherry for years," said Glenn. "She wants to play in front of her family and UC is a great fit for her. Sherry is going to make the goalkeeping position very competitive."

Cincinnati wrapped up it's 2001 campaign with a school-best mark of 20-4, capturing Conference USA regular season and tournament championships and advancing to the Round of 16 of the NCAA Women's College Cup.