Softball Adds Jenelle Martinez To Impressive Recruiting Class
5/18/2016 12:00:00 AM | Softball
BUFFALO, NY – University at Buffalo head softball coach Trena Peel has announced the addition of Jenelle Martinez for the upcoming 2016-17 class. Martinez joins an incoming group of freshmen that already includes Jessica Goldyn, Ufuoma Ogagan, and Gabby Keller.
Martinez hails from Cypress, CA where she has spent time in both the infield and outfield at Cypress High School. In 24 games as a senior, Martinez is batting .358 with 10 runs batted in, nine doubles and two triples. Her Cypress High teams has finished second in the Empire League Division I in each of the last three seasons and in 2014 they were a CIF SS D1 Semi-Finalist. As a junior, Martinez was named first-team All-League and as a sophomore she was named second-team All-League and the Rookie of the Year.
"We are happy to welcome Jenelle to the Buffalo family," said Peel. "She will add speed and depth in the middle infield. Her high-level travel ball experience will contribute in helping us raise the intensity of our program. She is extremely competitive and I believe she will be an impact player for years to come."
Goldyn, who is one of three players that signed with the Bulls in November, is in the midst of her senior season as the Ocean Lake Dolphins currently sit at 12-3. Leading off for her high school team, Goldyn is batting .654 with 20 stolen bases, 14 runs batted in and seven home runs. Goldyn and her team have two more conference games remaining before play-offs to determine the top two seeds at regionals.
"I'm very proud of the growth that Jessica has made since she signed with us," said Peel. "She is 100% committed to coming in and becoming an impact player from the start. I think her martial arts background gives her a mental advantage. She's going to be a fun player to watch next season."
Keller is batting .412 during her senior season with 10 stolen bases. She is serving as team captain at Clarence High School and she most recently recorded her 100th career base hit. Keller has been named one of eight finalists, which will be announced in July.
"Gabby is a local standout that's very honored to have the opportunity to wear Buffalo across her chest next season," said Peel. "She has a fiery personality and loves to compete. I look forward to seeing her blossom over the next four years."
Ogagan is out of the lineup for her Gateway Senior High School team as she is currently rehabbing from an injury.
"Ufuoma is out right now, but she's doing all the right things to get back healthy for her freshman season," said Peel. "She's a leader by nature and I look forward to seeing her bring those skills to our team."
"I am happy to bring in this small, but impactful class for the upcoming season," said Peel. "They are four pieces to the puzzle of what we are trying to build to help us win multiple MAC Championships. They all play with an intense fire and a drive to be great. I believe with this recruiting class, combined with our returnees, we will have great chemistry both on and off the field and represent UB at the highest level."
