Nov. 15, 2005

SANTA CLARA, Calif. - With the early signing period underway, the Santa Clara University women's basketball program has announced the signing of high school seniors Gretchen Tiernan and Brittany Purvis to national letters of intent. Tiernan and Purvis, both guards, will join the team as freshmen in Fall 2006.

"We are excited to add such quality student-athletes to our program," said head coach Michelle Bento-Jackson. "They are both special individuals as players and people and we are excited for what the future holds. We are very pleased that Gretchen and Brittany will be in a Bronco uniform next year."

A 5'8 combo guard out of Roseville High in Roseville, Calif., Tiernan boasts a balanced game as she led the Sierra Foothill League leaders last season with 171 assists and ranked in the top-three in 3-pointers made (43) and steals (78). Her versatility extends into the classroom as Tiernan carries a 3.4 grade-point average at Roseville.

"Gretchen has a great feel for the game and has versatility in positions in that she can play a number of different positions for us," Bento noted. "Her on-court skills are tremendous and she makes players around her better. She is a tough competitor, and she has leadership skills which are qualities that we were looking to add to our program."

Purvis, a 5'10 guard at Salpointe Catholic High in Tucson, Ariz., brings her range and playmaking ability to the court for the Broncos in 2006-07. With her range behind the arc, Purvis will continue the tradition of effective backcourt snipers at Santa Clara. She also boasts a 3.9 GPA in the classroom in addition to her accomplishments on the court.

"Our objective was to bring in a shooter and we feel Brittany defines shooter. She has a tremendous shooting touch, she has great range, and she has the ability to score in a variety of different ways," Bento-Jackson said. "Brittany has a strong work ethic and truly loves the game. We feel she is a perfect fit for our system and our style of play."