The first three Oklahoma Baptist Lady Bison lacrosse players have signed for 2012-13.

Mereta Monsen, Tiffany Hanes and Sarah Kneuer bring lacrosse experience - at varying levels - to the first-year, scholarship-awarding varsity program, which begins this Spring under Coach Katy Mohr.

Monsen is the sister of OBU volleyball coach Anna Howle and played against boys in a league in Stoughton, Wisc. The daughter of Kim and Norm Monsen, Mereta also has a brother, Paul, who played soccer at Marquette. She won the Sportsmanship Award as a senior in high school. She comes to OBU from College of the Ozarks.

"I look forward to the leadership that Mereta Monsen will bring to our team," Mohr said. "Although never having played organized girls lacrosse, her lacrosse background comes from the men's game while in high school in Wisconsin.  Mereta has played volleyball at the collegiate level and knows what it takes to be a part of a varsity program at this level. She is an all around athlete and I am excited about her joining us at OBU."

Hanes, an incoming freshman from Dickinson, Texas, is the daughter of Tracy and Linda Hanes. She graduated with the predicate cum laude from Dickinson High School, where she was class historian. She played under Coach Ellen Walls.

"Tiffany is a strong midfielder who isn't afraid to go to goal," Mohr said. "Off the field Tiffany is strong in the classroom as well. I look forward to Tiffany's lacrosse background to be a leader on the field as we start our program at OBU."

Kneuer was her team's high scorer and an All-State selection at Laconia High School in New Hampshire.

"Sarah Kneuer is a seasoned veteran of the game as she has played for six years," said Mohr. "Since high school Sarah has gotten involved in coaching as the JV lacrosse coach at Bishop Brady High School and recently became a US Lacrosse certified L2 Official. I am excited about Sarah's strong leadership ability on and off the field along with her knowledge of the game."