Softball announces signees for 2007-08 academic year
11/17/2006 12:00:00 AM | Softball
The Kent State University softball team and head coach Karen Linder have announced the signing of five recruits who will begin their collegiate academic and athletic careers in 2007-08.
The Golden Flashes, who won the Mid-American Conference Softball Tournament for the first time in school history last season, have signed Aimee Bassett (Wadsworth, Ohio/Wadsworth), Jessica Carmichael (Dalton, Ohio/Dalton), Holly Finchum (Galloway, Ohio/Bishop Ready), Ashlee Hein (Marysville, Ohio/Marysville), and Markie Pozzuto (Cortland, Ohio/Maplewood).
Bassett, an outfielder, was an All-Ohio, NEO All-District, All-County, and All-Suburban League selection for the Grizzlies. As a junior, she set the school record for batting average (.520) and led the Grizzlies in home runs and RBI's. "Aimee is an outstanding outfielder with speed and tremendous power," Linder said. "She is an outstanding student who has a great work ethic and attitude."
The daughter of Jeff and Kathy Bassett, Aimee plans on majoring in education.
Carmichael, a pitcher and utility player, received All-Ohio, All-NEO, All-District, All-Conference (WCAL) honors for the Lady Bulldogs, and was named the 2005 WCAL Most Valuable Player. "Jessica is a great hitter," said Linder. "She has the ability to play several positions, our focus with her will be at third base. She led the Lady Bulldogs to a Division IV state title as a pitcher."
The daughter of Rick and Barb Carmichael, Jessica plans on majoring in education.
Finchum, a second baseman and outfielder, received All-District, All-Metro, and All-League honors for the Silver Knights. She batted .505 with 26 RBI's as a junior. "Holly is a lefthanded batter who can slap, drag and hit for power," Linder said. "She has tremendous speed and can play anywhere in the infield or outfield."
The daughter of Eric and Julie Finchum, Holly plans to major in middle childhood education.
Hein, a catcher and third baseman, received All-Ohio, All-OCC, All Central District, and All-Metro honors for the Lady Monarchs. Entering her senior season, Hein has totaled 10 home runs, 93 RBI, and never batted under .435 in three seasons. The Lady Monarchs have a 69-15 record during her three-years with the team. "Ashlee is an extremely strong catcher who hits for power and loves to be at bat in clutch situations," said Linder. "She is also an outstanding student. I look for her to make an immediate contribution behind the plate."
The daughter of Brenda and Tim (deceased) Hein, Ashlee plans to major in special education.
Pozzuto, a pitcher, received All-Ohio, All-District, and All-Conference honors for the Rockets. As a junior, Pozzuto had a 10-3 record with 149 strikeouts in 76 innings and an earned run average of 0.28. "Markie is a lefthanded pitcher who is very determined and has a great mind set," Linder said. "She will give our pitching staff a different look. We could utilize her as either a starter or a reliever."
"I am really excited about this class, Linder said. "They have all had success at a high level, are very fierce competitors, and are well rounded individuals. Bassett, Carmichael, Finchum, and Hein are all exceptional hitters. I look for them to have a huge impact on our ability to continue to compete at the national level. "
Kent State opens the 2007 season traveling to tournaments in North Carolina, Kentucky, Hawaii, and Florida. The Golden Flashes begin defense of their 2006 MAC Championship on Friday, March 30 when they travel to Bowling Green, Ohio for a doubleheader with Bowling Green State University.
