Bulls Add Three For 2013-14
4/29/2013 12:00:00 AM | Softball
BUFFALO, NY - University at Buffalo softball head coach Jen Teague has announced the addition of two junior college players and a high school senior that will join the Bulls for next season. Adrienne LeBeau and Devon Rodriguez have both signed National Letters of Intent while Jessica Funk is also joining the team for the upcoming year.
LeBeau comes to Buffalo from Seminole State College of Florida where she serves as the team's catcher. While in high school, LeBeau was part of a FCSAA State Championship in 2012 and was named Academic All-State and an NFCA Academic All-American. She was solid behind the plate, throwing out 63% of the runners that tried stealing on her.
"Adrienne will add depth and experience for us at the catcher position," said Teague. "She works well with the pitching staff and does an excellent job of controlling the game on the defensive end."
Rodriguez has played at Santa Ana College where she has seen time in both the circle and at the plate. She has an overall 13-4 record pitching for the Dons, leading the team in innings pitched with 120.2. In her 10 starts in the circle this season, two of those have gone as complete games. Offensively, Rodriguez is batting .315 with 10 home runs, six doubles and 35 runs batted in. In their last conference game of the season, Rodriguez belted a three-run home run in the sixth inning, setting the single-season and career home runs record at Santa Ana.
"We are looking for Devon to come in with a big bat and help us at first base," said Teague. "She will also be able to add depth to our pitching staff.
"We were looking to add junior college players during this time because of the experience and leadership that they already bring," Teague added.
Funk is a utility player who has experience at second base and has also pitched. She spent five years with the Xplosion Fastpitch travel team before moving to the Pittsburgh Power Gold in 2011. She has been on the varsity team at Clarion Area High School for four years. She was on the first team All-District at second base in 2010 and 2011, and was first team All-State in 2011 while leading the team to a second place finish in the state. Last season, she was a first team All-District utility player and was a second team KSAC Pitcher. She has taken part in the Queen of Diamonds showcase tournament two times, winning the MVP of the tournament in 2012.
"Jessica is another well-rounded player that we think can add tremendous depth to our team," said Teague. "She has a had a very good high school career and we are excited to have her join our squad."
These three newcomers will join Ashton Earnhardt and Kelly Mascari, who both signed with UB during the early period in November.
"We think all three of these players are great additions to this program and we are excited for all of our newcomers to step on campus," Teague said.
