The Menlo College Women's Basketball team is proud to announce the signings of four new players to add to their 2012-13 roster.  Jacki Bateman, Sasha Brown, Vanessa D'Amico, and Amber Lane will bolster a Lady Oaks squad that is fresh off a 2011-12 California Pacific Conference Championship, culminating in the program's first trip to the NAIA National Tournament in the last five seasons.  

"We are excited about bringing in a very talented and hard working group of young ladies," remarked fifth year Head Coach Shannon Osborne, reigning Cal Pac Coach of the Year.  "We feel these young ladies will help advance the program as they are committed to success both on the court and in the classroom." 

Menlo welcomes Jacki Bateman and her versatile skill set into her Lady Oaks tenure.  A native of El Dorado Hills, CA, Bateman played a key role in leading Oak Ridge High School to a 2012 CIF California State Division I Northern semi-finals appearance.  "Jacki brings a great combination of size and athleticism to the wing position," commented the aforementioned Coach Osborne.  "She is another versatile player who can shoot, drive, defend, and rebound.  We feel Jacki has only started to scratch the surface of how good she can be and we are very excited about having her as an Oak!" 

Sasha Brown, a guard/small forward, brings a wealth of experience into her Menlo career after spending two years developing her talent at the collegiate level.  As a member of the Wolverines of Sierra College in Rocklin, CA, Brown spent two seasons as Team Captain, and in her final campaign the native of Rocklin was second on the team in rebounds and first in charges committed.  The exceptional play earned Brown the 2011-12 Sierra College Coaches Award.  "Simply put I'm ecstatic for a new chapter in my life and to be a part of the very successful and well coached Oaks family," said Brown on the prospects of coming to Menlo.  "The work ethic, passion coaching staff, and current players is what ultimately decided my fate in attending Menlo." 

Brown will enter her time with the Lady Oaks with a star studded academic resume as well.  At Sierra College she was a two-time member of the Big 8 Academic All-Conference Team, a two-time member of the Dean's List, and took home the Outstanding Student Scholarship of the Year honor in 2011-12.

Vanessa D'Amico will suit up in Menlo blue and white after a successful career as a guard at nearby Saint Francis High School in Mountain View.  The Hillsborough native was a two-time Mercury News Honorable Mention, and was Team Captain for her senior season.  "Vanessa is a great shooter with a quick release and we are thrilled with her ability to knock down the three and extend the defense," said Coach Osborne on D'Amico's Menlo potential.  "One of my favorite things about Vanessa is she loves to play the game and her enthusiasm is contagious!" 

The Lady Oaks are excited about the addition of Amber Lane, an incoming sophomore guard who spent last year at California State University San Bernardino, after excelling at the high school level.  The Las Vegas native average 13.5 points per game with an impressive six assists per contest during her final year at Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas.  The remarkable numbers earned Lane a Nevada Class 4A All-State Second Team selection along with the Bishop Gorman Ms. Gael Award (MVP).  At California State University San Bernardino, Lane put her academic prowess on full display as well, earning a spot on the President's Academic Honor Roll. 

"I am really excited to be joining the Oaks," claimed Lane.  "I can't wait to be a part of the team and to be coached by a wonderful coaching staff. I am looking forward to the opportunity of being a part of the Menlo family and working hard towards a winning season!" 

The Lady Oaks will look to make it back-to-back California Pacific Conference Championships in 2012-13, as they aim to get back to the NAIA National Tournament.