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2009 Recruits
Montana State Billings
Yellowjackets Add Ninth Player to Recruiting List (8/01/08)
Whitney Whittemore has signed a national letter of intent to play softball for Montana State University Billings. She is the ninth player to sign with the Yellowjackets.
“Whitney comes from a solid softball program at Bellevue Community College, and I believe she will make an immediate impact for us this upcoming season,” MSUB coach Anthony Stone said.
“You hear it said a lot, but in the true sense of the phrase, Whitney is simply one of those players you are very happy to have playing for you. A tremendous work ethic combined with an excellent academic background makes her a great fit for the Yellowjackets.”
Whittemore, a native of Puyallup, Wash., played her last two seasons at Bellevue CC where she played in 41 games in 2008. She batted at a .420 clip and had six home runs and 40 RBIs. In additions, she had 58 hits, including 18 extra-base hits.
Prior to Bellevue, Whittemore played high school softball at Emerald Ridge High School playing both second base and shortstop and outfield.
Moeller Signs With Yellowjackets (5/29/08)
Ontario, Ore., native, Ashley Moeller has signed a national letter of intent with Montana State University Billings
"Ashley is a tough player who isn't afraid to make sacrifices for her team and possesses a tireless work ethic that will be a welcome addition to the Yellowjackets," MSUB coach Anthony Stone said.
\Moeller, a 5-2 utility player, played high school softball at Malheur County in Ontario. She lettered in soccer and softball all four years and earned numerous accolades in both sports.
In softball, Moeller was a first team all-conference selection and Most Valuable Player in 2006-07 and her team finished second in state and qualified for the national tournament. Ashley is the younger sister of Megan Moeller, who played two years for the Yellowjackets after a successful career with the Mount Hood Saints, a junior college in Gresham, Ore.
Helena Product Signs With MSUB (5/8/08)
Helena native Josie Grotbo has has signed a national letter of intent to play softball with Montana State University Billings.
Grotbo prepped at Helena High School where she lettered all four years in softball and two in basketball. She was a second team all-conference pitcher in 2007, as she had a 10-4 record with three saves and a 1.88 ERA. Grotbo pitched 62 innings as a junior and fanned 132 while walking just 25.
This season, she is 4-2 with a 1.30 ERA and has fanned 58 in 48 innings pitched. Grotbo had 12 strikeouts against Great Falls High School as she tossed a two-hitter and she fanned 10 against Flathead in a four-hitter performance. In addition to pitching, Grotbo also can hit as well as she carries a .429 average with 10 RBIs and 18 hits this season.
Grotbo not only excels on the field, but also in the classroom as she has been on the honor roll all four years at HHS, as well as National Honor Society and MTAD (Mentoring Teams Against Drugs). In addition, she has played three years in the orchestra and went to districts and state. She also was an academic all-state selection in basketball.
Five Prep Standouts Sign With Yellowjackets (11/29/07)
Five high school seniors from four different states after signed National Letters-of-Intent to play softball at Montana State Billings.
Shasta Cornelison, Eldorado, Calif. ( Union Mine HS)
Cornelison is a 5-7 first baseman who will have lettered all four years in softball at Union Mine High School. Cornelison was named all-league three years straight and was named to the All-Metro team as a sophomore. As a junior, she was named the Most Valuable Player on her high school team after her team was crowned the Sierra Valley Division II Conference Champions.
“Shasta is a pure and natural hitter,” said MSUB coach Tony Stone. “She has the ability to use the entire field instead of only pulling the ball. Defensively, Shasta is another multi-positional player who can log some innings at catcher and first base which makes her even more valuable to our squad.”
Amanda Goings, Puyallup ,Wash. (Puyallup HS)
Goings is a 5-foot-4 outfielder who will have lettered all four season in softball at Puyallup High School. She has been named the captain of her team for her senior season. Goings is the Key Club treasurer, is a member of the student council, and has passed all four sections of the WASL.
“Amanda is a smart individual and is a speedy outfielder who can make excellent reads on the ball,” said Stone. “She has very quick hands and can swing away or slap the ball making it tough for the defense to read..”
Jenna VanEykeren, Las Vegas, Nev. (Centennial HS)
VanEykeren is a 5-foot-6 infielder who will have lettered all four years in softball at Centennial High School . Her high school team won the Northwest Division Championship as a junior. VanEykeren has been on the Honor Roll all four years and won the Scholar Athlete Award as a junior. As a sophomore she was named to the Nevada all-state academic team.
“The softball staff here at MSUB think Jenna is a tremendous athlete, not only as a catcher, but as a middle-infielder as well,” said Stone. “She has all the tools, both defensively and offensively, to make an immediate impact for us next season. Jenna's work ethic and positive attitude will be a welcome addition to our roster.”
Kelsey Brown, Spanaway, Wash. (Graham-Kapowsin HS)
Brown is a 5-foot-7 outfielder who lettered once in volleyball, twice in cross country, and will letter four years in softball. Brown has received numerous softball awards which include being named to the all-league honorable mention team as a junior. Brown's high school team finished seventh at the state tournament her junior season.
“Kelsey is a very intelligent player who can read the ball especially well,” said Stone. “She can swing away or slap, which makes it very difficult for the opposing team to defend."
Kasie Conder, Hamilton, Mont. ( Corvallis HS)
Conder is a 5-foot-8 pitcher who lettered three years in volleyball and will letter four years in softball following her senior season. Conder was named to the all-state team as a sophomore and junior and has been an all-state first team selection as a freshman, sophomore, and junior.
She was also named to the super-state team as her high school team took fourth at the state tournament her junior season. Conder is a member of the National Honor Society and was named academic all-state as a freshman.
“Kasie has established herself as one of the top pitchers in the state of Montana,” Stone said. “We are very happy she has chosen to stay in state for her collegiate career. She is a powerful thrower and can challenge hitters all over the strike zone. We look for Kasie to add depth to an already deep pitching rotation, and believe she will be a constant in the circle for several years to come.” plus she can play third base and hit the ball well.”
Western Oregon
Wolves Sign Three More To National Letters (6/18/08)
Three more players have signed National Letters of Intents to play softball next spring for Western Oregon University. They will join three others that signed early last fall, bringing the recruiting class of 2008 to six.
Rachelle Knuth (North Salem HS), Ashlynn Avilla-Ashby (Kapolei , Hawaii ) and Jessica Lessard (Elizabeth, Colo.) are the latest additions.
Knuth is a two-time first team All-Central Valley Conference selection as an infielder, where she helped lead the Vikings this spring to their first state tournament since 2001 . She hit .340 with four doubles, three triples and three home runs. She also stole nine bases and was a third team all-state (6A) selection.
Lessard is a two-time first team junior college All-Region IX selection out of Otero JC in La Junta, Colo. The pitcher also earned second team junior college All-American honors in 2007. "We needed another pitcher with experience and competitiveness,” WOU coach Pam Knox added. “Jessica will fit in nicely with our pitching staff."
Avilla-Ashby was a second team All-Oahu Interscholastic Association pick at catcher. She was an honorable mention selection to the All-OIA squad as a junior.
Wolves Sign Three In Early Period For Softball (11/26/07)
Three high school standouts have signed National Letters of Intent during the early signing period to play softball for Western Oregon University.
Ashley Smith, Bailey Rueck and Megan Peterson will join the Western Oregon program for the 2009 season. All three will play their final season of high school softball this coming spring.
Peterson was the 2007 Midwestern League Player of the Year as a junior at Churchill High School in Eugene. She was named the spring prep athlete of the year by the Eugene Register-Guard and was named to the second team all-state squad (5A) as a pitcher.
In 2006, she was a first team all-state pick as a utility player. The Lancers were Midwestern League champs in 2005, 2006, and 2007. As a junior, she hit .430 and broke the school record for doubles in a season.
Rueck is a two-time All-Portland Interscholastic League pick as a pitcher. She also hit .482 with 17 RBI last spring for the Grant Generals. She will be a four-year starter and is a two-time team MVP for Grant, who qualified for the state playoffs last spring.
Rueck played for the ASA Oregon Silver Bullets last summer, helping to lead the club to the Oregon state championship and a 13 th place finish at the national tournament. Bailey's sister Bryndle is a junior starter and all-conference selection at WOU in soccer.
Smith has played shortstop, catcher and the outfield for St. Francis School in Honolulu . She was a second team All-ILH pick behind the plate last spring, helping to lead her team to the Division I title. She was also an honorable mention all-state selection.
Smith was a first team all-state pick as a sophomore and was honorable mention as a freshman. She hit .383 and drove in 16 runs in 14 games.
Shaylene Oberg, a 2005 graduate of Billings West High School, is transferring from Southwestern Oregon Community College and will play softball next spring at Montana State University Billings.
“Shay will be an excellent addition to the Yellowjacket Softball program,” said MSUB assistant coach Cori Thiermann. “Those who have seen Shay play in the area have seen her hard work and determination to succeed. We are excited to have her contribute to the success our program will see next year.”
Oberg played two seasons at Southwestern Oregon , earning second team all-conference honors as a freshman. She was an all-state right fielder for West High in 2005 when she batted .333 and earned the team's “Best Offensive Player” award.
Yellowjackets Add Outfielder (5/30/07)
Cherish Allen-Jones has signed a national letter of intent to play softball for Montana State University Billings. The Las Vegas native will graduate in June from Palo Verde High School.
“We are extremely excited to have Cherish join the Yellowjackets,” said MSUB assistant coach Cori Thiermann. “She is versatile at the plate. She can hit for power and slap from both sides of the plate. She also has speed on the bases as well as in the outfield. Cherish will make an immediate impact on the team. We are looking forward to helping Cherish develop her full potential.”
Allen-Jones lettered in softball and tennis at Palo Verde. She earned all-state second team honors as a junior centerfielder when she helped the Panthers to the league championship. She hit over .350 during her senior season. In tennis, Allen-Jones was a two-time regional champion and a state runner up.
Hevern To Play for Crusaders (12/26/06)
Haley Hevern has signed a National Letter-of-Intent to attend Northwest Nazarene and play softball for the Crusaders next year.
Hevern, a senior at Crater High School in Central Point, Ore., was an All-Southern Oregon Conference infielder in both 2005 and 2006 and hit .394 during her junior season at Crater HS. She also led her team in RBIs.
Crane, Lowry Sign With Crusaders (11/8/06)
Cortnee Crane and Catherine Lowery have both signed national letters-of-intent to attend Northwest Nazarene and play softball for the Crusaders next season.
Crane, a senior at Emerald Ridge High School in Puyallup, Wash., was an All-South Puget Sound League honorable mention selection as a junior and has played the last three summers with the Washington MsStix Softball Club.
Lowery, a senior at Puyallup High School, was also an honorable mention All-SPSL pick as a junior, and has played four years for the same Washington MsStix club team. As a freshman, Lowery earned second team Chinook League honors while playing for Cascade Christian High School.
Earning Western Summer National Tournament all-star team selections, both players come highly recommended by their MsStix club coach, Roger Moshier.
"Catherine is a very good defensive catcher and has led our team in RBIs the last three seasons," Moshier added. "Cortnee is a very intelligent ball player who leads by example. She has been a team captain for the last two years and will always give you 100 percent."
"Cortnee is a very consistent player and will be a solid addition to our team, while Catherine is a confident athlete that should transition into college softball with ease," NNU assistant coach Jill Sever said.
Seattle University
Seattle Softball Signs Three To National Letters Of Intent (11/14/06)
Jessica Amador (Whittier, Calif.), Lauren Carlson (Richland, Wash.), and Katie Gould (Medford, Ore.) have signed National Letters of Intent to play softball for Seattle University beginning in the 2007-08 academic year.
Amador is a catcher who has been a solid student-athlete at California High School. Presently in the Rop 25 of her class, she has been named second team all-league twice as well as first team all-area.
“Jessica is going to contribute immediately with her arm and bat," SU coach Dan Powers said. She will continue our tradition of having strong catchers behind the plate,” said Powers.
As both a pitcher and a middle infielder, Carlson has helped the Hanford High School squad win two league championships as well as a regional title. She is a three-time all-league and two-time all-area and all-atate performer, plus she has been named the team's MVP twice and the league's MVP after her junior season.
“Lauren is a great athlete that can help us pitching and as a middle infielder. She brings an impressive bat and will improve our overall depth because of her athletic ability,” Powers said.
Gould has been a solid outfielder for the North Medford High School program. Last season she batted .487 with a slugging percentage of .512 and an on-base percentage of .609. She was flawless on defense, earning 32 putouts and one assist without committing an error.
“Katie will bring us another speedy outfielder with solid slap hitting skills,” Powers said. “She will make an immediate impact at the top half of our lineup.”
Western Oregon
WOU Inks Top Pitcher From The Dalles (5/25/07)
The Dalles-Wahtonka High School standout Jessica Wood, who was the Intermountain Conference Pitcher and Player of the Year this spring, has signed a National Letter of Intent to play softball for Western Oregon.
"Jessica will join a pitching staff that will be very competitive for the 2008 season,” WOU coach Pam Knox said. “She will have an impact in the pitcher's circle right away with her command of the pitches and her velocity. Also impressive is her bat, she is a clean-up hitter who can play first base."
Wood has been dominant for an Eagle-Indians squad that is currently 25-2. In a state playoff game against North Eugene earlier this week, the left-hander tossed a three-hit shutout and fanned 12 during a 19-0 win. For good measure, she helped herself with a three-run homer at the plate. On the season, she has 13 shutouts on her resume.
Wolves Sign Three To Letters of Intent (04/17/07)
Western Oregon softball coach Pam Knox has announced the signing of three high school standouts to National Letters of Intent.
Hawaii preps Tierra-Lyn Cuba (Mililani HS), Sasha Koki (St. Francis HS) and Jandee Tiarra (St. Francis HS) will all attend WOU next fall and will compete for roster spots on the 2008 squad.
Tierra-Lyn Cuba was a left-handed first baseman at Mililani. She was a first team All-Honolulu Advertiser all-state selection and was an all-league pick. She hit .365 and had an on-base percentage of .491. “Tierra-Lyn has great hands and is a quick as a cat,” Knox said. “She will contribute for us offensively with the bat as well.”
Sasha Koki is a third baseman and utility player for St. Francis HS in Kanehoe. She was also a first team all-state pick and was the Interscholastic League of Honolulu Most Valuable Player. She hit .483 for league champion St. Francis with eight doubles, three triples and three home runs. “Sasha can play anywhere,” Knox assessed. “She has great reactions and a real solid glove. She can also hit at a high level.”
Jandee Tiarra is Koki's centerfield teammate at St. Francis. She was a first team All-ILH pick and was a second team all-state honoree. “Jandee is very athletic, and moves very well. She can also swing the bat on the offensive side.”
Western Oregon is an NCAA Division II program that plays in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference. The Wolves are currently in first place with a 9-1 league record and they are 20-18 overall. Knox is in her fifth year at WOU, after also serving as the head coach at Northwest Missouri State and Park College . She has a career mark of 295-283.
“I am very excited to have these athletes commit to our program,” Knox added. “It is a great fit for them and for us.”
Western Washington
Vikings Add All-Star Pitcher from Peninsula (8/2/07)
Pitcher Jessica Rosencrants has signed a financial aid agreement to play softball for Western Washington University.
The 5-foot-8 Rosencrants earned first-team NWAACC Northern Region all-star honors last spring as a sophomore at Peninsula CC. The Pirates' team captain, she helped them to a 27-19 record.
As a freshman, Rosencrants attended Southeast Missouri State University and lettered for the Redhawks as a reliever. She appeared in 12 games, winning both decisions and having a 5.56 earned run average.
Rosencrants struck out 567 and walked just 16 during her four-year career at Sequim High School, posting a 61-9 record. As a senior, she was named most valuable player of the Nisqually League, helping the Wolves to the Class 3A state tournament.
A first-team all-league choice as a junior, Rosencrants played on a team that made the school's first trip to state. Rosencrants also attended Carlmont High School in Belmont, Calif., for two seasons.
Seven Sign With Vikings (6/18/07)
Seven high school seniors have signed national letters of intent to play softball for Western Washington University.
That group includes outfielder/third baseman Kelsey Anderson from Mount Vernon, outfielder Hilary Cosentino from Stevenson, shortstop Caitlin Dotlich from Sedro-Woolley (Burlington-Edison High School), outfielder Jenna Mohrweis from Mill Creek (Jackson High School), catcher/infielder Samantha Rutherford from Kenmore (Inglemoor High School), outfielder Shelbi Simmons from Centralia and utility player Michelle Wrigley from Bothell (Inglemoor High School).
Anderson was a first-team Skagit Valley Herald and all-Northwest League choice as a senior at Mount Vernon, helping the Bulldogs to a 21-3 record, league and district titles and a trip to the Class 3A state tournament. She hit .440 with 21 runs batted in and 25 runs scored.
Cosentino was a second-team all-Tri County League pick as a senior at Stevenson High School , leading the Bulldogs with a .525 batting average.
Dotlich earned first-team SVH all-Area and all-NWL recognition at Burlington-Edison High School, batting .475 in helping the Tigers place seventh at the Class 2A state tournament. As a junior, she was a first-team all-state pick and league MVP, hitting .510 on a squad that won the league title and got to state.
Mohrweis was a first-team Everett Herald and Seattle Times all-Area and all-Western Conference choice as a senior at Jackson High School . She hit .512, stole a school-record 36 bases, drove in 17 runs and scored 37 in helping the Timberwolves to a third straight Wesco South Division championship.
Rutherford was a second-team all-Kingco League pick as a senior at Inglemoor High School . She helped the Vikings to a 24-5 record and third place at the Class 4A state tournament, hitting .397 with 25 runs scored, eight doubles and three home runs.
Simmons was a first-team all-Evergreen League choice as a senior at Centralia High School, helping the Tigers place second at the Class 2A state tournament. She was a first-team Centralia Chronicle all-Area and all-league pick as a junior, hitting .403.
Wrigley was a first-team all-Kingco League pick as a senior at Inglemoor High School. She hit .411, driving in 17 runs and scoring 25.
Central Washington
Central Washington Adds Quartet of Prep Standouts (6/6/06)
Four high school student-athletes from the state of Washington have signed National Letters of Intent to continue their softball careers at Central Washington University beginning this coming season, CWU head coach Gary Frederick announced.
Joining the Wildcats for the 2007 season will be Katy Jones, Rachael Kramer, Katriina Reime, and Chantell Smith.
Three of the four - Kramer, Reime, and Smith - come from west of the Cascade Mountains, while the fourth - Jones - prepped at Kamiakin High School in Kennewick, Wash.
"This is one of the best recruiting classes we've had here," CWU associate head coach Mike Garoutte said. "These girls will fill the immediate defensive and offensive needs that we have and, along with our returning nucleus of players, should help us contend for the Great Northwest Athletic Conference title next year."
The Wildcat coaching staff compares this year's recruiting class to that of the 2002-03 season, which this past spring produced a pair of all-conference first team players in catcher Kelli Spaulding (Battle Ground, Wash.) and first baseman Mallory Holtman (White Salmon, Wash./Columbia HS). A third member of that year's recruiting class, Catrina Robertson (Rochester, Wash.), was an honorable mention all-GNAC
choice.
Jones, who was a four-year letter winner and an all-Big Nine Conference player at Kamiakin, has pitched and played third base for the Braves. She set single-season school records for pitching victories and batting average during her junior season at Kamiakin, and has helped lead her team to the Class 4A state tournament.
"Katy is a very solid player who has the potential to play either pitcher or third base for us," Garoutte said. "We see her filling a role for us at third base, and we expect her to be a solid and dependable player who will fit in nicely with our Wildcat program."
Kramer starred at North Kitsap High School in Poulsbo, Wash., playing three years of varsity softball for the Vikings. She is expected to play either shortstop or second base at Central Washington, following a prep
career that saw her earn a pair of all-Narrows League selections as a pitcher and help North Kitsap to a seventh place finish in the 2005 Class 4A state tournament and a state quarterfinal appearance in this year's tournament.
"Rachael will help address some of our needs in the middle of the infield," Garoutte said. "She has a rocket arm, comparable to anyone on our current team. She has quite a bit of flexibility defensively, and she will be a solid offensive contributor once she becomes accustomed to the college level."
Reime (pronounced RAY-mee) played for 2006 Class 2A state champion Hoquiam for former CWU baseball player Mark Maxfield, whose daughter Molly will be a senior outfielder for the Wildcats in 2007. A six-foot-tall pitcher, Reime is a three-time all-Evergreen League selection who has also competed in basketball, swimming, and volleyball for the Grizzlies over the course of her prep career.
"Katrina has solid size, command, and great movement," Garoutte said. "She should be an immediate impact player for us in the pitching circle. She can spot her pitches well - she's not overpowering, but is precise with her location."
The addition of Reime continues a Wildcat tradition of recruiting high-caliber players from some of the state's smaller schools. Eleven of Central Washington's 18 roster players in 2006 competed at either the 2A, 1A, or B classifications of the Washington School Activities Association.
Smith spent the past four seasons playing for Auburn High School. While with the Trojans, she earned a pair of all-WESCO League honors during her first two seasons, then added a first team all-South Puget Sound League accolade as a third baseman as a junior. A versatile player during her prep career, Smith is expected to be a catcher upon joining the Wildcats in 2007.
"Chantell will make an immediate offensive impact," Garoutte said, "that will only add to the depth we have returning at the plate. With a year of mentoring under (Kelli) Spaulding, we expect Chantell to position herself to step in defensively in 2008, but in the meantime, we see her being an immediate power threat."
These four additions to the Wildcat program will help absorb the losses of four seniors from the school's 2006 squad that finished 20-25 overall. This past year, Central Washington shattered previous single-season school records for most home runs (36), triples (19), and runs scored (206), as well as highest slugging percentage (.455) and on-base percentage (.361).
Saint Martin's
Saints Sign Three To National Letters (5/23/06)
Three high school seniors - Kirstin Davidson, Kristi Sigafoos and Danni Ballard - have signed National Letters of Intent to play softball with Saint Martin's University.
Davidson, an outfielder from Crater High School , batted .524 and was a first team all-conference selection in her senior season. As a junior, she finished with a .429 batting average en route to earning first team all-conference and first team all-state honors. She was also recognized for her efforts in the classroom as she was the recipient of the State Farm Outstanding Student Award.
“We are looking for her to make an immediate impact in the outfield and add to our existing talent,” said SMU coach Kirstin Jensen. “We are excited about the offensive fire power she will bring as she has led her league in batting average the last two years.”
Sigafoos, an infielder from Thomas Jefferson High School , recorded a .551 batting average on the way to earning first team South Puget Sound All-League, Seattle Times All-Area, Federal Way All-City and WIAA Player of the Week honors in her senior season.
As a junior, she posted a .426 slugging percentage in earning SPSL All-League honors and the Gold Glove Award. She is maintaining a 3.66 grade point average and is a member of the National Honor Society. Sigafoos, an Americorps volunteer, has accumulated over 200 hours of community service in receiving the Presidential Service Award.
“She has good coverage in the middle infield; great glove, great arm and excellent speed,” comments Jensen. “She has been a consistent power hitter at the high school and club level. She will help put runs on the board as she has had the top batting average in the SPSL the past two years.”
Ballard, a catcher from Sumner High School , is a two-time All-League and South King County Journal All-Area honoree. During the summer, she played with the Washington Hurricane's, placing 17th in Aurora, Colorado and 13 th at the ASA Nationals in Columbus, Georgia.
“She will be a solid leader for us behind the plate. We like how well she communicates with her teammates on the field. She has a great bat, can hit for power and is smart on the bases,” said Jensen.
“All three of these incoming student-athletes will be a great addition to the softball program and the institution. We are extremely excited to welcome them to SMU.”
Seattle University
Two Prep Standouts To Play For Redhawks (5/23/06)
Taylor Olson and J.J. Mulligan, have accepted invitations to attend Seattle University and play basketball for the Redhawks.
Olson, a 5-10 guard from Seattle's Bishop Blanchet High School, was a Metro League first team member who scored 20.9 points per game during his senior year. Named team MVP for three consecutive years, Olson also played in the WIBCA 4A/3A All-Star Game and Emerald City All-Star Game.
“Taylor Olson is going to be a great incoming freshman for us,” said SU assistant coach Dan Emerson. “He played a great game against Martell Webster and Spencer Hawes during his junior year and led his team to an upset victory over Seattle Prep. We expect Taylor to contribute by coming in, shooting and passing the ball right away.”
During his junior season, Olson averaged 17.7 points per game, was named to the Metro League second team and appeared in the state tournament. As a sophomore, Olson averaged 13.1 points and was a Metro League third team member. Olson finished his high school career with 1,327 points and hit 188 three-pointers with the Bishop Blanchet Braves.
A McDonald's All-American nominee, Mulligan (6-7, 175) Reno High School (Reno, Nev.), led the Huskies to a 27-5 record, winning the state championship. Reno was the first Northern Nevada team to win the state tournament in 31 years and the first Huskies team to win the state tournament in 43 years.
Mulligan was named all-league first team, all-Northern Nevada first team, all-state second team and was the team's leading scorer, averaging 16 points, six rebounds and three assists. Mulligan was selected to the Chilean National Team in May 2006 and will play in the South American Championships July 10-16, 2006 in Venezuela.
“J.J. is a great asset for our team,” Emerson said. “With J.J. getting that international experience with the Chilean National Team, we expect big things out of his play starting next season for the Redhawks.”
Mulligan has dual citizenship, as does his mother, Emma Sepulveda, a university of Reno-Nevada professor who is originally from Chile. Mulligan's father, John, is a tax attorney who played basketball professionally in Europe for five years (1974-79) and was an all-state player for Reno HS in 1969.
Mulligan has a 3.8 grade point average and is a National Honor Society member.
During Mulligan's junior and sophomore years, Reno HS also won the Sierra League title. As a junior, Mulligan was also named Sierra League Co-MVP.
Reynolds, Berin Sign With Redhawks (4/27/06)
Kelsey Reynolds and Lauren Berin have signed letters-of-intent to play softball at Seattle University.
Reynolds comes from Kentlake High School in Kent, Wash., as well as the Hurricanes 18A travel team in Woodinville, Wash. Over the last two seasons at Kentlake, Reynolds has a 0.85 earned run average and has fanned 342 in 352 1/3 innings.
She holds Kentlake's school record for strikeouts in a season and career and led the Falcons to qualifying for districts and state the past two seasons. "Kelsey has been a dominant pitcher in Washington the past two years," SU coach Dan Powers said. "She will make an immediately impact and fill the role left by senior Erin Kemper. Kelsey will give us another different style pitcher to compliment Erin Martin and Katie Rojano next season."
Berin will be another power hitter in the Seattle lineup next season. Coming to Seattle from Paloma Valley High School in Menifee, Calif., she also played for the American Athletics Gold travel team in Irvine, Calif.
As a junior at Paloma Valley, she hit .480 and was an all-league selection as a freshman and junior as well as a four-year varsity starter. Her Wildcats won the Sunbelt League in 2002. "Lauren has incredible power with her bat and will be a welcome addition to our lineup next season," Powers said.
Two California Players Sign With Redhawks (11/28/05)
Sandra Hernandez and Katie Petersen have signed National Letters of Intent to play softball at Seattle University. Both come from California and both come in highly decorated from their high school and club programs.
"Both recruits will have an immediate impact next season and help us compete for the GNAC title," SU coach Dan Powers said.
Hernandez will come to Seattle from Arrowhead Christian High School in Redlands, Calif. She is a three-time first-team all-league as well as a two-time all-California Interscholastic Federation Southern Section Division V selection. She led her team to the semifinals of the Southern Section Division V playoffs last season before losing to eventual champion Pomona Catholic in extra innings.
Hernandez was named to the 2005 all-Inland Empire team and was her team' s MVP in 2005 and defensive MVP in 2004. She plays for the OC Lionettes Gold club team - the same club team that current Redhawk standout pitcher Erin Martin came from.
"Sandra will come in and compete for third base next season but can also play the outfield as well," Powers said. "She brings a solid bat and impressive defensive skills as well."
Petersen is from Tesoro High School in Las Flores, Calif. in Orange County. She led her Tesoro Titans to the Pacific Coast League title last year and the second round of the CIF Southern Section Division IV playoffs. She is a two-time all-Pacific Coast League selection. Petersen is a four-year starter for Tesoro and was named to the all-tournament team at the China Invitational this past summer.
A three-time Scholar Athlete Award and Principal's and Superintendent's Honor Roll honoree at Tesoro, Petersen plays for the American Athletics Gold club team. "Katie will come in and compete for an outfield position immediately next season," Powers said. "Her speed and slap hitting will add another dimension to the top half of our batting order."
Western Oregon
Fleer Sisters To Play for Wolves (6/27/06)
Sisters Katie and Amanda Fleer will be reunited this coming year at Western Oregon University where both will play for the Wolves softball program.
Katie, a 6-3 pitcher at Chemeketa CC and Amanda, a shortstop at McKay High School , will play together again. Both were teammates in 2003 and 2004 at McKay (Salem).
"To have such talented players as Amanda and Katie here is awesome,” exclaimed WOU head coach Pam Knox . “For them to be able to fulfill their goal of playing college softball together makes this even more special. Both are impact players and are proven competitors.”
Katie Fleer was the Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges (NWAACC) Pitcher-of-the-Year in 2006. She helped lead the Storm to a 40-10 record, recording 27 wins from the pitcher's circle. She led the NWAAC in victories and ERA (1.65), and she also had five saves. In addition, she hit .505 at the plate and drove in 61 runs.
“Katie Fleer is a proven winner,” praised Knox. “She is very tough on the mound, is a strikeout pitcher and what is even more impressive is her batting average and RBI's. Katie will be the leading force in the pitching circle and at the plate for us."
Amanda Fleer was a four-year starter at McKay, and was named to the first team of the All-Valley League squad the past two springs. She was an honorable mention all-state pick (4A) as a junior.
“Amanda is a solid shortstop, a consistent hitter and a leader on the field,” added Knox. “She will battle for the starting shortstop position with Tyler Sutherland (a redshirt in 2006).”
Nine players have now signed with the Wolves for the coming season, including another local player— Sprague High School second baseman Jessica Hallmark. Hallmark was a third team all-state selection, and was a key member of Sprague's 27-2 Valley League title-winning team. The Olympians were ranked second in the state (4A) before falling to Southridge in the state playoffs.
Also committing to the WOU program this spring were Westview ( Beaverton ) High School's Lindsey Dahl and Las Vegas , Nevada area players Bonnie Trigero, Christina Jones and Melissa Wilson.
Last fall, pitcher Ashley Sellers and catcher Kyrsta Pennington committed to attend Western Oregon . Sellers was a senior at Auburn Riverside High School and Pennington preps at Kentwood High School .
Four Prep Standouts Sign With Wolves (5/3/06)
Four high school standouts have signed letters of intent to play softball at Western Oregon University That brings WOU's recruiting class to six, as that foursome joins two Washington state seniors who signed last fall during the NCAA early signing period.
Committing to the program recently were Westview (Beaverton) High School's Lindsey Dahl and Las Vegas, Nevada area players Bonnie Trigero, Christina Jones and Melissa Wilson.
Dahl is a second baseman and outfielder that was an All-Metro League pick last year. She was also a starter on the Wildcats' 2004 state championship team (4A). “Lindsey has a solid glove and a good stick,” said WOU coach Pam Knox. “She will be able to contribute right away to our program.”
Trigero is a first baseman at Green Valley High School in Henderson, Nev. An all-league pick, she plays for the Las Vegas Rage Gold team in the summer. “Bonnie is a solid first baseman with a great bat,” Knox commented. “She is a top-notch student as well.”
Jones is a pitcher and utility player at Vegas Valley High School and also plays for the Rage Gold in the summer. “Christina has power at the plate, and can win games for us on offense and defense,” Knox assessed. “She can play both corners in the infield and is an excellent student.”
Wilson patrols the outfield at Palo Verde High School in Las Vegas, and also plays for the Rage Gold. She was an all-conference pick. “Melissa is an outstanding outfielder with great range,” Knox said. “She is a consistent and solid hitter.”
Two Washington Prep Stars Sign With Wolves (11/16/05)
Western Oregon softball coach Pam Knox has announced the national letter of intent signings of two Washington state seniors during the NCAA early signing period.
Pitcher Ashley Sellers and catcher Kyrsta Pennington have committed to attend Western Oregon in 2006. Sellers is a high school senior at Auburn Riverside High School and Pennington preps at Kentwood High School .
Sellers, who also played for the Sidewinders Gold team this past summer, was the South Puget Sound League Pitcher of the Year, posting a 21-2 record and 0.46 ERA. She was also selected to the Seattle P-I all-star team.
“Ashley will be an impact player for us next season,” Knox said. “She has excellent ball movement and good velocity. She will compliment our pitching staff nicely.”
Pennington also played for the Sidewinders Gold squad, and was all-league catcher at Kentwood HS. She broke four school records last spring, including her .443 batting average.
“Kyrsta is a solid receiver behind the plate,” Knox continued. “She has excellent hands. What is most impressive about Kyrsta is what she does with the bat. She has an excellent swing.”
Western Washington
Texas, Oregon Players Sign With Vikings (11/22/05)
Hannah Becker, a catcher from Robstown, Texas, and Meghan Flem, a first baseman from Hood River, Ore., were among five high school seniors signing national letters of intent to play softball at Western Washington University beginning next fall.
Also committing to Western were pitcher Sarah McEnroe, a senior from Woodinville; utility player Kelsey Perkins, a senior from Puyallup; and outfielder Ashley Wick, a senior from Woodinville.
The 5-foot-11 Becker earned Texas Girls Coaches Association Class 4A all-State honors as a junior, leading the Wildcats to a 24-7 record and the regional semifinals. She hit .409 (26-for-66), with two home runs, 16 doubles and 14 runs batted in.
Becker also was named second-team all-South Texas, first-team all-Metro and first-team all-district. She was a first-team all-district choice as a sophomore and honorable mention as a freshman, and was second-team all-Metro as a sophomore.
Flem, who stands 6-0, was a first-team Class 4A all-State and Inter-Mountain Conference selection as a junior at Hood River Valley High School. She helped the Eagles to the first round of the state playoffs, hitting .472 with four home runs, having a .625 slugging percentage and a .995 fielding average.
Flem was a third-team all-state pick and first-team all-league choice as a sophomore.
As a junior, McEnroe helped Woodinville High School to a 27-0 record, the Falcons winning league, district and Class 4A state championships. She posted a 7-0 record with a 0.00 earned run average, and hit .356.
Perkins was a second-team South Puget Sound League all-star as a junior at Rogers High School, hitting .417 and being named the team's most valuable player.
Wick was a first-team all-Kingco League selection as a sophomore at Woodinville High School.
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