By Nicholas Huenefeld/Owens Sports Information

Toledo, OH---Express women's soccer head coach Mary Whisler signed the first three recruits of her 2012-13 class today in the SHAC.

Elizabeth "Eliza" Theaker of Maumee HS, Taylor Avers of Woodmore HS, and Jessica Grindle of Northwood HS will join five returners from last year, and will all compete for starting positions next year.

Avers was named the player of the year in the inaugural season of the Northern Buckeye Conference as a senior. As a junior, she was named the co-player of the year in the Suburban Lakes League. Playing for head coach Malcolm Edge, she registered 65 goals during her final two seasons and 76 goals in her four year career, with the latter being a school record. As a senior, she was named First Team All-NBC.

"She is a natural born goal scorer," Whisler said of Avers, who is expected to play forward. "Alongside Kendra (Eitnear), I expect them to do really good up top."

Grindle played for head coach Monte Bandeen at Northwood, and is another highly decorated player. She was named the NWOSSL district player of the year as a senior, as well as First Team All-NWOSSL, First Team All-Northwest District and OSSCA Second Team All-Ohio.

Whisler calls Grindle a very creative player who can help the team in multiple positions.

"I know wherever I put her, good things are going to happen. She is confident on the ball and can distribute, but can do the job herself, too."

Theaker led Maumee to a sectional championship her senior year as the team won 16 games, which tied the school record for most in a season.

Coach Whisler is excited to see how Theaker, a defender, can improve the Express defense next year.

"She's a very strong centerback and definitely someone we've been looking at. I felt one of our biggest weaknesses last year was our defense, and she will definitely strengthen us."

Theaker looks forward to it.

"It's going to be a challenge. It's different than high school, a faster pace. It's going to be fun, though."

Theaker's high school coach Steve Kikolski has confidence Theaker can adjust.

"After her freshman year, we gave her a list of things to learn. She checked them off and flourished. I think she'll be real good for Owens. She's tough, fast and athletic. She's not going to wow you, but she'll do her job."

Whisler expects to sign 10 more recruits before next season. They finished 12-8 last season and qualified for the Region XII tournament.