Oakley Announces 2020 Recruiting Class
8/17/2020 10:34:00 AM | Softball
KENT, Ohio – Head coach Eric Oakley announced that the Kent State softball program has added six freshmen student-athletes to the Golden Flashes' roster.
Alex Fiske (Bellevue, Ohio), Madison Hershberger (Lake Lynn, Pa.), Jessica LeBeau (Hartville, Ohio), Kiley Lewandowski (Ypsilanti, Mich.), Emily Lippe (Hartville, Ohio) and Jade Ramer (Monclova, Ohio) will join the Golden Flashes this fall and make their collegiate debut in the 2021 season.
"This is an incredibly well-rounded class, with speed, power, solid defense, and dominant pitching," Oakley said. "We expect these student-athletes to contribute to our culture both on the field and in the classroom. Plus, they are a very fun group! Lots of smiles when they get together. We anticipate they will graduate Kent with lots of great memories, on and off the field."
Alex Fiske • Infielder• Bellevue High School
Fiske batted over .400 and drove in more than 20 runs during each of her final two seasons for the Lady Red. She earned all-league honors three times and helped Bellevue win SBC championships in all three years on the field, which included a 20-5 record and trip to the regional final in 2019. Fiske was selected to represent the Northwest in the All-Ohio Underclassmen Softball Tournament twice. A multi-sport athlete, she helped the Lady Red girls' basketball team to a No. 2 state ranking this past winter.
"Alex brings a power bat to our lineup, as well as shut-down defense and a strong work ethic. She's all-in for Kent State, and we expect her to make an impact as soon as she steps on campus."
Madison Hershberger • Utility • Albert Gallatin High School
Hershberger earned 5a all-state first-team honors as a junior, batting .439 with four home runs and 29 RBIs, while posting an 8-4 record, 1.20 ERA and 73 strikeouts over 70 innings in the circle. She recorded 25 victories and 197 strikeouts during her career as a Colonial and earned a spot on the all-area team all three years.
"Madison brings great energy and versatility to our team. The first time I worked with her at a camp I knew she had the passion and energy to be a Kent State Softball student-athlete! She plays the game with joy, and she's a fantastic teammate. She adds depth to our lineup, and brings a lefty bat."
Jessica LeBeau • Pitcher • Lake High School
Recently named to Stark County's All-Decade team by the Canton Repository, LeBeau ranked in the top five in the county in strikeouts and earned run average during her sophomore and junior seasons. A two-time All-Ohio selection, which included a first team nod in 2919, she totaled 37 victories and 402 strikeouts during her three-year career at Lake High School, where she formed one of the state's elite battery duos with fellow signee Emily Lippe. LeBeau led the Blue Streaks to a 22-2 record, No. 4 state ranking and Federal League Championship in 2019 when she recorded 20 victories, county-best 1.06 EA and 197 strikeouts in the circle while hitting .438 and driving in 17 runs at the plate. She was a key member of the Ohio Wolfpack team that placed third at the 2019 USA/ASA Nationals.
"Jess is a special pitcher who will be able to contribute in the circle right away. The dominance she has shown in the circle against some of the region's top teams will help prepare her for the transition to D1 softball. She also can contribute offensively as another lefty stick in our lineup."
Kiley Lewandowski • Utility • Lincoln High School
Lewandowski was a career .441 hitter and drove in 101 runs during three standout seasons with the Railsplitters. She earned all-league and Ann Arbor Dream Team honors in 2019 after posting a .523 batting average with three home runs, 16 doubles and 40 RBIs.
"Any time you can add a player of her caliber this late in the process you absolutely jump at it! A very strong all-around athlete that will bring us another power bat and depth at multiple positions.
Emily Lippe • Catcher • Lake High School
Lippe teamed with LeBeau to form one of the top batteries in the state of Ohio. She led the Blue Streaks to a 22-2 record, No. 4 state ranking and Federal League Championship in 2019 with a .392 batting average and team-high 30 RBIs. A three-time all-league selection, Lippe launched 12 homers and totaled 73 RBIs as a prep. She was also a member of the Ohio Wolfpack team that placed third at the 2019 USA/ASA Nationals.
"Emily is a catcher with a big bat. She has a great field presence, and will bring some explosiveness to our batting lineup. We expect big things from her here at Kent State."
Jade Ramer • Outfielder • Anthony Wayne High School
Ramer batted over .440 and was an all-league performer in each of her final two seasons for the Generals. She led Anthony Wayne to 65 wins overall with a Northern Lakes League championship in 2019 and spot in the regional finals in 2018.
"Jade Ramer brings speed and energy to our lineup. Her aggressive offensive approach will fit our team well. She will be a spark for our team."
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