SEATTLE (Feb. 8) ­ Six stars of prep and club teams which have played for state championships have signed national letters of intent to play women's soccer at Seattle Pacific University beginning next fall, Coach Chuck Sekyra announced today.

Coming off their fourth straight appearance in the NCAA Division II tournament, the Falcons received commitments from defender Christa Bitner (Phoenix, Az.), goalkeeper Maddie Dickinson (Vancouver, Wa.), midfielder-forward Mallorie Gerstmann (Puyallup, Wa.), defender Rebecca Woods (Beaverton, Or.), forward Amanda Johnson (Duvall, Wa.) and midfielder Karen Hosler (Portland, Or.).

"One thing that also stands out in this class that nearly every player has won a state championship in club or high school or, and all have been a member of a team which has at the least qualified for a final," said Sekyra. "Beyond that, I think this may be one of our most well- rounded classes, addressing a variety of positions. "

Seattle Pacific finished 17-5, ranked No. 14 in the nation and advance to the Far West Region championship game for the third year in a row. It lost only two seniors from its starting lineup.

Below are notes and quotes from Sekyra for each member of the recruiting class.

Christa Bitner is a top defender for Dobson High School and the Lady Bugs club, winner of five Arizona state championships. Bitner can play on either side or in central defense.

Sekyra: "We saw in Christa a young lady leading and organizing the back line of one of the best defenses in our region. She can distribute and serve a ball with either foot, is great in the air and is a very good 1-on-1 defender. She will bring a lot to our program."

Maddie Dickinson, a senior at Skyview High, played in goal for Washington Premier, the 2005 state runner-up.

Sekyra: ""Maddie's one of the most athletic and consistent keepers we have seen this year. She has tremendous range, is an outstanding communicator and leader and is a difference-maker in the net."

The younger sister of SPU returning starter Jessica Gerstmann, Mallorie Gerstmann is a club teammate of Dickinson on Washington Premier. She played for Cascade Christian High School in the fall.

Sekyra: "Mallorie is a gifted player who can play anywhere from front to back. She's a great athlete with a great work ethic and is quick, strong and very intelligent on the field."

Oregon's U-17 champions, FC Portland Maroon, spawned Karen Hosler, now a senior at Sunset High School.

Sekyra: "Karen is a great field general in the midfield. Her speed of play, vision and work rate are awesome. She is a gifted technically and is going to be fun to watch."

Amanda Johnson led the state with 40 goals and 27 assists for Cedarcrest High School, the state 2A runner-up last fall. Her club, FC Eastside, was U-17 state champion.

Sekyra: ""Amanda is the consummate forward and can score or set-up teammates in bunches. She's creative, strong, fast and a great finisher who is going to be a handful for opposing defenses."

Rebecca Woods played on the champion FC Portland Maroons with Hosler, and also has starred for Beaverton High.

Sekyra: "Rebecaa Woods is one of the most dominating players in the air­offensively or defensively­ that we have ever seen. She is wonderful with the ball, has great vision and again can play anywhere across the backline."