Oakley Announces Softball Signing Class
12/8/2017 12:29:00 PM | Softball
KENT-Ohio – Head coach Eric Oakley announced that the Kent State softball program signed seven student-athletes to a National Letter of Intent during the early signing period in November.
Chloe Cruz (Canfield, Ohio), Anilese Kelly (West Seneca, NY), Sabrina Kerschner (Waterville, Ohio), Grace Saupe (Farwell, Michigan), Katherine Synnestvedt (Mantua, Ohio), Megan Turner (Warren, Ohio) and Brooklyn Whitt (Mt. Gilead, Ohio).
"This class brings a wide range of skills to our team," said Kent State Head Coach Eric Oakley. "They will add depth at several positions, bring us speed and power, and continue the tradition of the team first mentality here at Kent State."
Cruz is an infielder from Canfield High School that was selected First Team All-AAC in her junior season. She helped Canfield win a conference and district championship last season with the Cardinals when she batted .375.
"Chloe has a big bat, and good game knowledge. She was all-in with Kent State early on, and has shown her ability to be a power hitter and a strong defender. Her enthusiasm set the tone for this recruiting class."
Kelly brings both a power arm and bat to the Golden Flashes. During her career, she is a .373 hitter with eight home runs and 68 RBIs at West Seneca East Senior High School in New York. Inside the circle she compiled a 36-18 record with 353 strikeouts and a 1.53 ERA. In her junior season, as was named a Second Team All-State Pitcher and Erie County Interscholastic Conference First Team.
"Anilese will find a role right away on our pitching staff and, like our current pitchers, also brings a good bat. Â She has a great approach to the game, and a nice presence in the circle. Â She is extremely coachable, and I am excited to see how she grows under Coach Johnson's instruction and the influence of the current pitching staff."
Kerschner is a two-time First Team All-District member who hails from Whitehouse Anthony Wayne High School. As a freshman, she hit .400 with 14 stolen bases and will earn four varsity letters. In her sophomore campaign, she hit .525 while swiping 19 bags en route to First Team Norther Lakes League honors.
"Sabrina loves to play softball! Â She brings us speed, and a stellar glove. She has great range and a quick release. Â She is a triple-threat at the plate."
Saupe was named All-State Honorable Mention in Michigan in her junior campaign. She is a three-time all-conference selection from Farwell High School and was part of a conference championship and district championship team.
"Grace is a solid all-around athlete. We're confident in her ability to contribute to the future success of this program, and we look forward to watching her grow here at Kent State."
Synnestvedt comes to Kent State from nearby James A. Garfield High School. As a junior, she was named First Team All-Portage Trail Conference at first base while hitting .415.
"Katie will bring us some depth at the catching position, and another power bat. She works well with her pitchers, and manages the game confidently." Â
Turner will bring championship experience to the Golden Flashes as she was part of two OHSAA Division III State Tournament Championship teams at Warren Champion High School in 2015 and 2017. As a junior, she batted .490 and cranked a school record 13 home runs while driving in 48 and was named All-Ohio First team. Turner holds the school record with 26 career home runs and 115 RBIs. Megan's brother Michael is a freshman catcher on the Kent State baseball team.
"Megan is one of the top players in the state, and has the talent to contribute right away. She brings championship experience with her to Kent."
Whitt was named Honorable Mention All-Ohio and First Team All Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference in her junior year at Cardington-Lincoln High School. She hit .575 her junior year with four home runs as the leadoff hitter for the Pirates. She helped the Pirates win MOAC Championship and a Regional Championship last year.
"Brooklyn brings speed and versatility to our team. She has the ability to play several positions, gets on base often, and is always a threat to score."
The Golden Flashes are coming off a MAC Tournament Championship run and a win over Oregon State in the NCAA Tournament. This season Kent State opens the campaign playing five games Feb. 16-18 at Coastal Carolina's Battle at the Beach.
