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MOUNT VERNON, Ohio - The Mount Vernon Nazarene University women's basketball team has signed another recruit as Beth Ryder has committed to attend MVNU to further her education and continue her basketball career with the Lady Cougars.

Ryder, a 5-foot-10 forward/center from Orrville, Ohio, averaged 14.9 points and 9.4 rebounds per game as a senior at Dalton High School. She also shot 46 percent from the field, 43 percent from three-point land, and 76 percent from the free throw line. She was named to the Wayne County Athletic League First Team, the Northeast Inland All-District First Team, and the All-Ohio Division IV Special Mention Team.

"I am excited about the addition of Beth to our program," said MVNU head coach Steve Gregory. "She will add depth at the forward and center positions for us. She had a stellar senior season in both volleyball and basketball."

"Beth will also be a great representative of MVNU in that she exemplifies strong Christian character as well as having an excellent academic record coming out of high school," Gregory added. "She has grown as a player and person over the last four years of her high school career. I am looking forward to helping her reach her full potential as an athlete, student, and Christian here at MVNU."

In addition to playing basketball and volleyball, Ryder is a member of National Honor Society and has been on the Dalton honor roll for the past four years.

"There are several reasons why I chose MVNU," said Ryder of her college choice. "I really liked the atmosphere of the school. The people were very friendly and the campus was beautiful. Another reason is the opportunity to play basketball. The most important reason, however, is the Christian aspect. I want to attend a school where I can grow in my relationship with Christ."

MVNU, an NAIA Division II school, finished the 2002-2003 season with a 10-19 overall record. The Lady Cougars, who won the National Christian College Athletic Association national title in 2001, compete in the American Mideast Conference South Division.