PHILADELPHIA (01/18/03) - Saint Joseph's University head softball coach Moo Moyer announced the signing of three high school seniors, Lauren Hughes, Rachel Pawlikowski and Catherine Richter to National Letters of Intent for the 2004 season. Hughes, a 5-9 pitcher from Council Rock High School in Newtown, Pa., was named first team all-area by the Trentonian and all-league by the Bucks County Courier Times during the 2002 season. She was also named Council Rock's co-Most Valuable Player last year as a junior. She also is a member of the Blazing Angels summer travel team. "We have really liked Lauren for awhile," states Moyer on the heralded hurler who also plays first base. "She is one of the top pitchers in the state and has pitched well in some big games against good competition. Lauren can be a power or finesse pitcher depending on the situation, and also helps her team offensively at the plate." Richter, a 5-6 catcher from Cherry Hill East (NJ) High School, earned all-South Jersey and all-Group IV honors during the 2002 season. A three-time all-conference catcher who also can play the outfield as well as third base, Richter owns Cherry Hill East records for hits, RBI and slugging percentage. A member of the NJ Inferno summer travel team, the returning team MVP has already been named the squad's captain for her senior season. "Along with her great catching skills we are very impressed with the way she swings the bat," extolls Moyer on Richter, who can also play infield and outfield. "Cathy hits everything hard and with good power. Sheis a very intense and focused player and will make a very positive impact to our program" Pawlikowski, a 5-9 third baseman from Ursuline Academy in Wilmington, Del., earned second team all-State honors both as sophomore and a junior. A two-time all-conference selection, Pawlikowski is a member of the Talleyville Travelers summer travel team. "We were surprised by the lateral quickness and soft fielding hands that Rachel possesses and at 5'9" she runs the bases very well,' says the Hawk coach on his "blue-chip" third baseman. "Offensively, Rachel has very good power and really attacks the ball. She is a legitimate force and will open up some eyes". "We are ecstatic to be able to sign players of this quality, especially in the early period," stated Moyer, in his second season as the Hawks' head coach. "This will enable us to keep Saint Joseph's among the elite softball programs in the Atlantic 10 Conference as well as the East."