April 16, 2008

Stockton, Calif. - Pacific women's basketball head coach Lynne Roberts has announced today, April 16, the signings of Claire McLeod (Donvale, Australia) and Gretchen Tiernan (Roseville, Calif.) for the 2008-09 season. The pair of transfers will join Jennifer Jorgensen (Dayton, Iowa) as the Tigers class for the upcoming season grows to three.

A 6-1 wing, McLeod will transfer to Pacific with sophomore standing from LaTrobe University in Melbourne, Australia. A member of the Victorian State National Team, McLeod led her team to a U16 national championship while finishing in second place at the U18 and U20 levels. In high school at Wesley College, McLeod captained the Lions to their first APS Premiership in over a decade as a senior after averaging 21.6 points and 12.8 rebounds per game. At the club level, McLeod won the Victorian Basketball League championship as a member of the Nunawading Spectres in 2007 and is currently averaging 11 points and 12.2 rebounds per game as a member of the Knox Raiders.

"Claire is an incredibly smart and versatile player," said Roberts. "She can play three different positions with her athleticism, length, and skill set. She's a relentless rebounder and defender. Claire does all of the intangibles that are necessary for success - we're excited she is coming."

Joining McLeod as a sophomore transfer next season, Tiernan comes to Pacific after one year at America River College in Sacramento, Calif. A 5-9 combo guard, Tiernan averaged 19.2 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists last season as a member of the Beavers. For her play, McLeod was named the California Junior College All-State Second Team last season. Prior to American River College, Tiernan graduated from Roseville High School in 2006. As a senior, Tiernan averaged 15.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 2.4 steals per game. A year prior she posted 12.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 2.9 steals per game as a junior.

"Gretchen can play both the point and wing positions. She has shown the ability to score points but can also really create shots for her teammates," stated Roberts. "Her passion, competitiveness and creativity on the floor will be a great addition to our team."

Signed with the Tigers in November, Jorgensen completed her senior season at Southeast Webster Grand High School as Iowa's top women's basketball player as she took home the coveted Miss Iowa. The 5-11 wing was the state's all-class leader in points per game (30.4) and assists per game (8.9) to go along with 13.3 rebounds per game. Additionally, Jorgensen shot an astounding 61.3% (296-of-483) from the floor during her senior season. Defensively, Jorgensen posted 4.0 steals per contests while also adding 1.6 blocks. Jorgensen ended her career as the No. 2 scorer in Iowa state women's basketball history (2,708 points), fourth in rebounds (1,184) and fifth in assists (621).

"We are really excited about this 2008 recruiting class," said Roberts. "Not only are we bringing in very talented basketball players, but we are also bringing in terrific students that we are confident will thrive both in the classroom and on the court here at Pacific."

"It is positive for us, as well, to sign two sophomores who will come in with some playing experience. The addition of our 2008 recruits to our returning group of student-athletes has us all looking forward to the 2008-09 season."

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