8/3/2009 2:16:50 PM
Three transfers and three freshmen are slated to join the Southern Oregon softball team for the 2010 season.
SOU head coach Kim Fritts announced the signings of Karri Johnson (North Idaho JC), Emily Matekel (Southwest Oregon CC), Danielle Batson (Southwest Oregon CC), Irene Barrantes (Dos Palos (Calif.) HS), Jessica Flores (Corning (Calif.) HS) and Alexis Graybeal (Lakeridge HS).
Johnson comes to SOU after an impressive two years pitching at North Idaho. Johnson helped lead the Cardinals to a 38-22 record this past season and is all over the North Idaho recordbook. Johnson finished second for innings in a career with 366 and second for career wins with 35. She also ranks third for career strikeouts with 278.
“Karri is going to be a great addition to our pitching staff,” Fritts said. “She will now give us another arm to go along with Jordyn (Kurtz). She should make an impact right away.”
Kurtz was named All-Conference as a freshman pitcher this past season.
Matekel and Batson helped SWOCC to a program best third place Regional finish in 2009. Matekel, a catcher, earned both All-American and All-Conference honors this past season.
Barrantes played infield and outfield for Dos Palos High School and was a four-year Varsity starter. She also earned All-Section honors and batted over .300 as a junior and senior.
Flores played first base, outfield and pitcher at Corning High School. Flores was a valedictorian and also selected to play in the Northern Section All-Star game.
Graybeal earned All-Conference honors as a senior while playing outfield and shortstop at Lakeridge High School.
“We did a good job of addressing some needs and adding some depth to our program,” Fritts said. “We should have a lot of competition for playing time next year.”
The Raiders went 22-15 last year and 18-6 in conference, just missing out on a conference title and a trip to the National Tournament.