Nov. 16, 2009

Bronx, N.Y. - Fordham women's basketball coach Cathy Andruzzi announced the signing of two student-athletes today, as Abigail Corning (Wethersfield, Conn./Wethersfield) and Katelyn Lakes (Hagerstown, Ind./Hagerstown) have signed national letters of intent to play at Fordham University, beginning in the 2010-11 season.

"Katelyn and Abigail are passionate basketball players with strong academic credentials. Every year we strive to add players with the talent both in the classroom and on the court that can compete in the ever competitive Atlantic 10 conference. Both players fit this profile, they are gifted athletes that give us size and scoring prowess in the backcourt," said Andruzzi.

Corning, a 5-10 guard from Wethersfield, Connecticut, is a four-year varsity basketball player at Wethersfield High School and a 2009 All-State selection. She has earned All-Central Connecticut Conference honors in each of her three seasons at Wethersfield, and was selected as the varsity team captain for the 2009-10 season.

"Abigail is a point guard with a scorer's mentality. She understands the game and will provide us with leadership in the backcourt. Her guard skills and size give her the versatility in her game to play a number of different positions. She is extremely competitive and will make everyone around her better," said Andruzzi.

Away from the court, Corning is a member of the National Honor Society, and serves as the chapter president of the Spanish National Honor Society. A member of the high honor roll, she has been involved with the Wethersfield student council, serving as class treasurer for three years. Corning is also involved in community service, working as a Special Olympics volunteer and assists with basketball and softball clinics in her area.

A 6-0 forward from Hagerstown, Indiana, Lakes is a four-year starter at Hagerstown High School and a two-time All-Area Player of the Year selection. She has improved her scoring efforts each season at Hagerstown, averaging 16.8 points as a freshman, 19.8 points as a sophomore, and 20.7 points as a junior. She broke the school's all-time scoring mark during her junior campaign with 1,256 points, which added to her school marks for all-time rebounds and blocks. A four-time All-Conference selection, Lakes is currently nominated for the McDonald's All-American team.

"Indiana players can shoot and Katelyn is one of those Hoosiers. She is a strong wing who can nail the long ball. She excels in the up-tempo game with the ability to either score in transition, coming off screens, creating her own shot, or posting up. Her six-foot presence on the wing and ability to rebound adds a new dimension to our perimeter," said Andruzzi.

In addition to her basketball exploits, Lakes is also a four-year varsity volleyball player, holding four school records.

Away from the gym, Lakes is a state finalist for the Wendy's Heisman Trophy and a three-time Academic All-Conference honoree. She is also a member of the National Honor Society and holds a 4.0 GPA at Hagerstown.