LORETTO, Pa.- Saint Francis women's soccer Head Coach Sara Butler announced the additions of Anouk Landgraff, Sara Csernyik, Nina Connors, Alyssa Mella, Maggie Ratchford and Layna Grassi to the 2024 signing class.

"I am so excited to welcome another talented group of players that will push this program forward." Butler said. "As a class, they embody the principles of our program in their work ethic, integrity and soccer abilities.".

Anouk Landgraff

Landgraff, a native of Washington Boro, Pa., plays for Penn Manor High School and Pennsylvania Classics. Landgraff was a four-year letter winner at Penn Manor, where she is a team captain. Landgraff, a team captain, has scored 13 goals and assisted on six so far this season as a winger for the Comets. Those efforts earned her First Team All Star and All League Team honors for the Lancaster Lebanon League Section 1 in 2023. Landgraff is an honor roll student at Penn Manor and intends to major in Nursing at Saint Francis.

"Anouk is a dangerous flank space player who has consistently shown the ability to win the one-on-one battle and produce threatening goal-scoring opportunities for herself and her teammates." Butler said. "Anouk's outgoing personality and drive are evident in her aggressive and creative playing style, and we are looking forward to welcoming her into our program.".

Sara Csernyik

Csernyik is from Stow, Ohio., and is a goalkeeper for Stow-Munroe Falls High School and International Girls Soccer Club.

"Sara is a talented goalkeeper who has shown the ability to be an incredible shot-stopper - she has quick reactions, a strong technical foundation, and a high instinct for the game that makes her difficult to beat.", Butler said. "We are excited to welcome another high-quality goalkeeper to our program and look forward to how she'll contribute to our program in the future.".

Nina Connors

Connors is a forward who hails from Adamstown, Md. and plays for Tuscarora High School and Baltimore Armour.  Connors has been very productive for Tuscarora, scoring 44 goals and notching 44 assists in the 43 games she has played for the Titans. Connors, who is a captain for Tuscarora, holds a career points per game average of 3.1 and has tallied 132 career points.

"Nina is an excellent fit for the culture and playing style of Saint Francis Women's Soccer." Butler said. "As a forward, her strength, speed, and finishing ability will positively contribute to our offensive output, as she'll be a dynamic and challenging player to stop. We are excited to integrate her playing style and work ethic with our team next fall.".

Alyssa Mella

Mella is a back/winger who comes to Loretto from Oakville, Ontario in Canada. Mella will be the fourth international player on the Red Flash roster and the first Canadian player for Saint Francis since Sabrina LaMantia in 2011. Mella plays for Burlington Force and Thomas A. Blakelock High School. At Blakelock, Mella, a team captain, earned Varsity Girls Soccer MVP and was apart of back-to-back undefeated seasons for the Tigers. She won championships with both Blakelock and Burlington Force. Mella is an honor roll student at Blakelock and intends to major in Exercise Physiology at Saint Francis.

"Alyssa is a dynamic utility player who has the ability to fill multiple flank space positions for us. Her athleticism, strength, and tactical understanding of the game contribute to her ability to be a dangerous attacking outside back or winger for us." Butler said. "We are excited to welcome her to our program and look forward to her future as a Red Flash.".

Maggie Ratchford

Ratchford is a forward from Waverly, Pa. who plays for Abington Heights High School and Matchfit Academy. Ratchford holds the Abington Heights record for most goals in a game with six. Ratchford has a career total of 55 goals and 15 assists, numbers that earned her two All Star Team selections. Ratchford is a key member of a Lady Comets team that has won three conference championships and a district championship during her time on the team. Ratchford is an honor roll student at Abington Heights.

"Maggie has showcased her individual talent and technical ability, contributing goals and key passes throughout her senior season." Butler said. "We look forward to seeing her impact on our offensive production next season, and we are excited to welcome her to Saint Francis.".

Layna Grassi

Grassi, a native of Moatsville, W.Va., is a midfielder coming to Loretto from Philip Barbour High School. Grassi has accumulated 30 goals and 45 assists over the course of her time as a Colt and has attained a sizable number of accolades. Grassi has earned First Team All-State, First Team All-Conference and First Team All-District honors. Grassi is a four-sport athlete who has been a key member of four regional championship teams in soccer and one in track and field. Grassi is also the first female in the state of West Virginia to throw a touchdown pass and a two-point conversion. Grassi also holds school records for several swimming events. Grassi is an principal's honor roll student at Philip Barbour and intends to major in Political Science at Saint Francis

"Layna has shown the ability to be a productive creator in the midfield, providing her team with high-IQ assists and fighting to regain and maintain possession for her team." Butler said. "We know her work ethic and ability to connect our defensive and attacking lines will support the development of our team next fall, and we are glad to welcome another high-quality player and person into the Red Flash family.".