May 10, 2007

CANYON, Texas - The West Texas A&M women's basketball team and head coach Krista Gerlich has announced the signing of Anna Berthal out of Prosper High School in Prosper, Texas, and Jamie Dreiling, a junior transfer from the University of Tulsa. Berthal and Dreiling become Gerlich's fifth and sixth signings for the 2007-08 academic year, joining Chelsea Blackshear, Megan McLain, Cherilyn McMenamy and Joni Unruh. Both Berthel and Dreiling are eligible to play for the Lady Buffs in the fall.

Berthal, who plays down on the post, was named first team and MVP of District 9-3A as a senior, and was named to the Texas Hoops Top 100 (No. 84). During her prep career she set school marks for most blocks in a game, season and career along with being named honorable mention All-District as a junior. In addition, the Prosper native averaged a double-double for her career, scoring 14 points and pulling down 12 rebounds per game, while chipping in with five blocks a contest.

"Anna is a raw talent standing at 6'2", said Gerlich. "I am excited about her potential and with her great work ethic the sky is the limit for Anna. She will add a presence in the middle with her shot blocking ability and she's able to run the floor like a guard. We are very pleased to add Anna Berthel to our freshmen recruiting class."

Dreiling, who will have two years of eligibility remaining, played in 60 career games during her freshman and sophomore seasons with the Golden Hurricane, averaging 5.6 points along with three rebounds per game. The Rio Vista, Texas, native was second on the team in points during Conference-USA play in 2006-07, scoring 8.6 a game, which was just behind WNBA hoopster Jillian Robbins. Dreiling also connected on over 80 percent of her free throw opportunities, shooting 129-of-155 during her two seasons at Tulsa.

"Jamie Dreiling is a fantastic sign for us. She transfers from the University of Tulsa and stands 6'1" at the guard position. She will add so much versatility to our team and she's a tremendous player. Her court vision and awareness are remarkable which makes her passing ability top notch. She has a terrific 3 point shot and is very aggressive rebounding the basketball. We are thrilled to add this type of talent to our team," Gerlich stated.

"The WTBA program helped develop my game for the next level.  I really appricated and benefited from all of the one on one coaching that Coach Ratcliff and the program offered." - Anna Berthal

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