Nov. 16, 2009

DAVIS, Calif. - Brianna Salvatore, a three-time All-Century League selection at Villa Park High School, and Kelsey Beard, an All-Big VIII League first-team standout last year at Centennial High School in Corona, have each signed National Letters of Intent with the UC Davis women's basketball program and will join the Aggies next fall, head coach Sandy Simpson has announced.

"As a relatively young team, we were in a position to be very selective regarding our recruiting needs and we are excited to be able to address future needs with student-athletes the caliber of Brianna and Kelsey," Simpson said. "Each player fits well with our system and, more to the point, each possesses outstanding character, which is the primary component of 'Aggie Pride.' "

Salvatore, a 5-fot-10 forward, averaged 18.7 ppg and 6.0 rpg last season for Villa Park earning All-CIF Southern Section first-team honors, team MVP honors and third-team all-county accolades. She averaged 16 points and 6 rebounds as a sophomore and 9.0 points and 4.0 rebounds as a freshman. Salvatore was a first-team all-selection in 2008 after earning a second-team mention her first year.

Villa Park has earned section playoff berths each of her three seasons while finishing second in the Century League each time. Salvatore is a member of the National Honor Society and carries a 4.3 GPA. She's also lettered in track, competing in both the high jump and triple jump.

"Brianna is dynamic, versatile athlete who can play any of the guard positions," Simpson said. "She is a terrific shooter, yet also has the length and athleticism necessary to get to the rim and finish. Brianna is also an outstanding defender with the potential to be designated 'lockdown' player on the perimeter."

Beard, a 6-3 center, picked up her all-league honors after averaging 10.1 points and 7.3 rebounds while also contributing 1.1 blocks. Her sophomore season was nearly as productive with totals of 9.9 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.3 blocks. She was also named All-Riverside County honorable mention by the Riverside Press-Enterprise during that season.

Beard scored a season-high 25 points against Corona High School last January before scoring 21 points against Santiago High School less than a month later. In all, she reached double figures 15 times during her junior season. Beard posted eight double-doubles last season, finishing 10 games with at least 10 rebounds overall.

"Kelsey is a skilled low post player who is not afraid to mix it up inside," said Simpson. "She is a tremendous rebounder and has a very good sense for the game. Kelsey has the attribute we value most in a post player - soft hands - and will provide a valued target for our guards when we look to pass inside."

UC Davis is currently 1-1 during the 2009-10 season and will host San Francisco on Tuesday at The Pavilion.