GREENVILLE, N.C. --East Carolina University Head Golf Coach Kevin Williams has announced the signing of Lene Krog (Lier, Norway) and Laurin Bruce (Mason, Ohio) to the women's golf team. Krog and Bruce both singed National Letters of Intent on Wednesday, November 17, for the 2005-06 season.

"The importance of this recruiting class carried extra significance," said Head Golf Coach, Kevin Williams, "We are losing arguably the best golfer, male or female to have played at East Carolina. So it was real important that we sign someone to make an immediate impact, to lessen the blow of Adrienne Millican's loss, but I am not sure you can do that with one person. By signing Lene and Laurin I feel we will not only lessen the blow by Adrienne's departure but we have added some depth, which is a pressing need."

Krog, is the 2003 Norwegian Women's Champion and a member of the Norwegian National Team that recently competed in the World Amateur Championship in Puerto Rico in October. She finished in second place (lost in a play-off) in the 2004 Hellenic Open in Greece and won twice this past summer on the Norwegian P4 Tour. In 2003, Krog finished third in the European Championship and fourth in the European Young Masters.

"Lene has been very successful in Norway and internationally," Williams stated. "She has a wonderful swing and a tremendous work ethic. In addition, she is a very good student. She will make a huge impact on our program and I am very excited about her becoming a Pirate."

Krog attends school at Norges Toppidrettsymnas, which is the Norwegian School for Top Athletes.

Bruce was a member of the two-time Ohio state championship team (2002 & 2003) at Mount Notre Dame high school. She finished fourth in the 2004 City Championship, sixth in the 2004 Ohio Junior Girls Championship and ninth in the 2004 AJGA Buick Open. In 2003 Bruce was named to the All Conference, All City and All Southwest Ohio teams.

"Laurin has a lot of potential and is just beginning to scratch the surface on how good she can be" said Williams. "We were very fortunate to have Laurin sign with our school. She will add much needed depth to our team and will make a nice impact on our program."

The Pirates (54-27-0) will begin Spring play on Feb. 20, when they travel to Miami, Fla. to participate in the Papa John's Intercollegiate.