The Arizona softball team signed four athletes to national letters of intent for the 2007 season, head coach Mike Candrea announced yesterday.
The class is headed by Amanda Williams of Brentwood, Calif., who is expected to help replace Wildcats senior pitcher Alicia Hollowell in the circle next season.
Williams plays for the Orange Country (Calif.) Batbusters, a girls' fast-pitch softball team whose alumnae include former Arizona All-America selections Jennie Finch and Toni Mascarenas, and current Wildcat pitcher Taryne Mowatt.
"Amanda is a dominant power pitcher who comes from a long line of Batbusters that have played at Arizona," said Arizona assistant coach Larry Ray in a press release.
Stacie Chambers of Glendale, has shown immense power at catcher and third base.
Chambers, a left-handed hitter, set a national record at Cactus High school with 20 home runs in 2004.
K'Lee Arrendondo of Tempe can play shortstop or fill in as a utility player.
Arrendondo could replace senior Autumn Champion in the outfield in 2007 and then move to the infield in lieu of juniors Kristie Fox and Chelsie Mesa, according to the release.
"K'Lee is a left-handed hitter with good pop and very good speed," Ray said. "She can slap hit and is versatile defensively."
Sarah Akamine of Escondido, Calif., is a possibility at third base or as a pitcher.
"Sarah plays outstanding defense, has power at the plate and is a very good pitcher," Ray said. "In the circle, she has a good drop and screwball."
Ray said all four athletes are expected to play integral roles as Wildcats.
"The only unfortunate thing here is that we have to wait a year and a half to see them produce," he said.
- Information taken from www.arizonaathletics.com.