Incoming Freshmen Wrap Up Outstanding Prep Careers
5/14/2015 12:00:00 AM | Softball
BUFFALO, NY – With the 2015 softball season having just come to an end, the excitement is already building for the upcoming season with a number of incoming freshmen, who are bringing impressive resumes to Western New York in September.
"We are excited to get this next group of kids here, who have excelled at their sport and that bring a championship mentality," said head coach Trena Peel. "This group brings a versatile skill set and they will allow us to compete for championships every year."
Allison Power is a pitcher from Parker, CO, who played her high school season back in the fall. Playing at Ponderosa High School, Power was named the 2014 Colorado Gatorade Player of the Year. She was a first-team All-State selection and she was named the Continental Conference Player of the Year. Power was also named the National Pitcher of the Week by MaxPreps.com.
Another talented pitcher, the Bulls will be welcoming in Lace Smith from Valrico, FL, who is following up an outstanding junior season with another solid campaign during her senior year. In 25 games so far this season, Smith is 17-5 with a 1.45 ERA as she has 13 complete games, with one no-hitter and five shutouts. In 140.0 innings pitched, Smith has struck out 198 batters, while walking just 35.
Courtney Gilbert from Delhi, Ontario will be trying out the Canadian Junior National Team on June 12 and continues to have a solid season for her club team, Brantford Bobcats.
Shaila Warren was just named the 4A Player of the Year by the Florida Athletics Coaches Association prior to the postseason. She led her Mulberry High School team to the regional quarterfinals. Shaila also competes for the Tampa Mustangs on a club level, a team that last year won the Amateur Softball Association/USA National Championship.
Catrell Robertson continues to have a successful season on the travel circuit, playing for the OC Elite 18U team. Robertson was named the Offensive Player of the Year during her sophomore season as she helped lead her school to a League Championship in 2012. As a freshman, Robertson had the highest batting average as well as on base percentage on her team. She has been part of many travel ball tournament championships, including Colorado Sparkler, JO Class Las Vegas, ASA State Qualifier 18u and Premier Qualifier 18u.
Taylor Light has two games left in her season before her team from Brockport High School heads off to sectionals. Light has been the number one pitcher for Brockport this season after moving over from first base. Light has pitched 62.0 innings with a 0.68 ERA and 80 strikeouts for the Blue Devils.
Fellow New York native Brieanna Baker also had a strong senior season going for Oneonta High School before being limited by injury. She had a 12-stirkeout performance earlier this year against Chenango Valley. Baker, who was one of the top throwers for Oneonta, could be back for the sectional playoffs.
In addition to the seven players from early signing period, Peel will also welcome in Katie Weimer from Orchard Park. Weimer is helping lead Orchard Park to the top spot in the ECIC and they are currently seeded second in Section VI, Class AA. In 18 games this season, Weimer is batting .571 with 36 hits and 32 runs batted in.
With this group of incoming players, paired with the returnees from this past season, the future is bright for Coach Peel and the Bulls.
