Coming in from a strong off-season performance, Branca will provide leadership to the defensive unit with her aggressive nature, quick hands, and overall determination ... 2003: Played in five games last season ... Had one ground ball for the Bears ... 2002: Appeared in six games for the Bears ... Picked up one ground ball and had one caused turnover ... 2001: Played in six games ... Picked up three ground balls and had one caused turnover ... Before Brown: A four-sport athlete in high school, Branca played lacrosse and field hockey for four years and played ice hockey and ran track for two years at The Lawrenceville School in New Jersey ... A member of the Mercer Country Champion field hockey teams in 1997 and 1999, she earned All-Prep and All-State honors in field hockey in 1999 ... A New Jersey All-Prep honoree in lacrosse as a senior, Branca was also the recipient of the Tommy Sulivan Athletic Award, given to the athlete who most exemplifies sportsmanship and dedication ... Personal: The daughter of Thomas Branca and Maureen McDonnell, Ashley has a brother Colin, 27, and two sisters Adrienne, 25 and Gianna, 2 ... Concentrating in Literature and Cultural English.