Gazette-Times

Philomath High senior Ashten Melton, a 5-foot-11 defender, has signed a National Letter of Intent to join the Humboldt State women's soccer team in the fall.

Melton was a four-year varsity starter for Philomath, earned second-team all-league honors as a freshman and sophomore and first-team honors as a junior and senior. She was also named the Warriors' top defender as well as the Val-Co League MVP her senior season.

"Ashten will be a strong contributor for us in the fall," HSU coach Andy Cumbo said. "She has great presence on the field, is strong on the ball and very strong in the air. She is a very versatile player and we expect her to make an immediate contribution to our attack."

The Lumberjacks compiled a 12-5-4 overall record, while their 9-3-4 California Collegiate Athletic Association mark earned them a berth in the CCAA Championship Tournament, where they fell 1-0 to eventual West Region champion UC San Diego.

Steiling signs at NWCC

Santiam Christian senior Britni Steiling, a 5-4 defender, has signed a letter of intent to play women's soccer at Northwest Christian College next season.

"Britni brings speed and versatility to our defense and a strong desire to be a winner," Beacons women's soccer coach Vern Stewart said. "Playing a direct attack minded game at NCC, she will turn her speed from defense quickly into scoring opportunities."

Steiling was a three-year letter winner with the Eagles and helped guide Santiam Christian to its first playoff appearance in 2006. She earned first-team all-PacWest Conference honors as a senior, recording six assists as the sweeper and defensive leader for the Eagles.

The Northwest Christian College women's soccer team is coming off its inaugural season and will play for the first time in the NAIA's Cascade Collegiate Conference in the fall of 2007.