The softball program has received four early commitments for the 2007 recruiting class. All four players hail from Oklahoma high schools and enjoyed outstanding prep careers.
“I think we’ve signed quality players in each of these young women,” said Dawn Reed, RSU head softball coach. “We are losing four seniors at the end of this season and each of these signees will have a chance to step in and contribute right away.”
Catcher Tanya Koch of Edmond Deer Creek, second baseman Marie Gaudet of Glenpool, first baseman Katie Bointy of Anadarko and utility player Lauren Looper of Woodward each signed a letter of intent to play for the Hillcats during the early signing period.
Koch was an all-state selection at Deer Creek after hitting .321 with 13 doubles and one home run. She also tallied 26 RBI and was selected to the Grand Classic All-Tournament team. Reed said she expects Koch to make an immediate impact at catcher for the Hillcats as a freshman. She gunned down 11-of-16 would-be base stealers in 42 games for Edmond Deer Creek in her senior season.
Gaudet was an all-state selection at Glenpool and posted an impressive .418 batting average with three homers and 18 RBI. She earned all-conference honors three times and led the Lady Warriors to a district championship in 2006.
Bointy batted .375 for Anadarko with nine doubles, two home runs and 20 RBI. She played her entire senior year at first base without committing a single error. She was flawless in an astounding 264 fielding chances and recorded 14 assists for the year.
Lauren Looper is a strong athlete who hit .360 for last fall. She finished the year with three triples, six stolen bases and 18 RBI. Reed said Looper possesses a lot of natural talent and will be a utility player for RSU.
Reed’s third recruiting class at RSU comes on the heels of a successful first season in which the Hillcats finished 29-17. RSU will unveil its new baseball-softball complex next month and Reed said she believes recruiting quality players to her program is becoming an easier sell.
“We are reaching the point in recruiting where we can compete with any of the other small colleges in our region to sign a player,” Reed said.
Reed added that she plans to sign two or three additional players before closing the books on the 2007 recruiting class. The RSU softball team will play its first game of the 2007 season on Feb. 13. The Hillcats will host USAO in their home opener on Feb. 15.