Softball Signs Three For Next Season
11/15/2011 12:00:00 AM | Softball
National Signing Day Photo Gallery
BUFFALO, NY – Head coach Jen Teague has announced the addition of three players, who have all signed National Letters of Intent to play for the Bulls next year. Amongst the class are a pair of players from California, as well as one player from New York.
Dani Cowan (Carlsbad, CA)
Dani Cowan is a very talented player that pitches and plays first base. Cowan started playing at the 18U Gold level during her freshmen year. Prior to that she led her team to the Championship of the ASA Western Regionals with a 4-0 record. She had 21K's in 25 IP'd, had a 0.23 ERA, and a .485 average from the plate. Cowan has been with the 18U Gold San Diego Renegades since 2009. She has averaged a strikeout per inning at the 18U Gold level and a 0.10 ERA. She has pitched three perfect games. This past summer Cowan was invited out to the Canadian Junior Olympic team.
"Probably our most decorated and seasoned of our signees," said Teague. "Dani has played all over North America. Her father was a former NHL player so we know that she comes from good pedigree. She will be a huge asset in the circle for us. She is a finesse pitcher that we are looking at coming in and making an immediate impact for us as we strive for a MAC Championship. She will be a big part of that process."
Ryleigh Fitzgerald (Lewiston, NY)
Fitzgerald is a local recruit, who earned five letters and is currently serving as her team captain for a second season. She was an All-NFL First Team selection in 2011, as well as an honorable mention All-WNY Selection. Fitzgerald is a top athlete as she also competes for her high school's cross country and basketball teams.
"Ryleigh is a local kid that we expect will develop into a great D1 softball player," said Teague. "She is a middle infielder that is very athletic and we expect to be a leader on and off the field. Ryleigh has the attitude that we are looking for in our program. She was a hands down fit for our program."
Anissa Pinedo (Chula Vista, CA)
Pinedo is currently playing for the So Cal Breakers 18 Gold Team, after playing earlier travel ball with the San Diego Renegades. For the last two seasons, she has served as her high school's starting third baseman. In 2011, she was named first-team All-Mesa and was voted her team's most valuable defensive player. She batted .419 with 24 runs and 38 RBIs for Bonita Vista, which was ranked 30th nationally.
"Anissa comes from a growing line of former San Diego Renegades," said Teague. "Although she is no longer with that program she still has been taught by some of the best travel ball coaches in the country. She is a quiet leader and a spunky player on the field. We see her filling into a third base utility position. Her hitting is her best attribute to this point. We are excited to see her progress into a D1 softball player."
The addition of Cowan and Pinedo now give the Bulls four San Diego Renegades, including current players Sammi Gallardo and Alexis Curtiss.
The 2012 version of the Bulls begin the season on Feb. 10 at the Jacksonville Tournament.
