Canisius College women's lacrosse head coach Scott Teeter announced the addition of three players to the 2011 team. Maria Kotas, Stephanie Schmalz and Taylor Smith will all join the Griffs for 2010-11 season.

"We are very excited to bring in such a talented class," Teeter said. "Each of the three players will all be relied upon to make an immediate impact on our program and I look forward with excitement to the next four years with them."

Kotas has played three seasons at Lancaster High School, where she has accumulated 220 points, 118 goals and 102 assists. Following her junior season, Kotas received honorable-mention All-America honors and was named to the All-Western New York First Team. She totaled 111 points on 55 goals and 56 assists last season.

"Maria is one of the best players to come out of the Western New York region," Teeter said. "She is a three-sport athlete that will dominate on both ends for us. Maria's game will also reach a new level now that she can concentrate on the one sport of lacrosse."

Schmalz has played four seasons at Mount Notre Dame High School, where she earned all-region accolades in 2009. Schmalz has also earned second-team all-league honors on two occasions and was named the team's Most Improved Player in 2007.

"Stephanie's strongest attribute is her communication skills," Teeter said. "This skill will be necessary to help anchor a young defensive unit early in her career. She also brings a great amount of passion to our program."

A two-year captain at Donald A. Wilson Secondary School, Smith was named the team's Most Improved Player last season. She also led her club team, the Oshawa Lady Blue Knights, to the Ontario Provincial Championship in 2008 and 2009.

"Taylor's vision is outstanding," Teeter said. "Her anticipation skills are excellent, while her aggressive play and work ethic are right up there as well. Taylor is the perfect player for our defensive system."

The Griffs return 17 letterwinners and nine starts from the 2009 team that finished second in the MAAC and earned back-to-back conference tournament appearances for the first time in school history.