UNIVERSITY CENTER, Mich. – The Saginaw Valley State University softball team signed nine players to National Letters of Intent, as announced by first-year head coach Todd Buckingham. Brenna Bourdage, Lauren Groendyk, Ann Hansen, Evy Lobdell, Temara Lupu, Taylor Moceri, Jenna Proctor, Devin Schomberg and Abigail Stoner make up the very talented 2013 recruiting class.
"Overall, this is a very good recruiting class that will bring a great attitude, work ethic and physical skills that will make an immediate impact on our program," said Buckingham.
Brenna Bourdage
A utility player who prepped for head coach Paul Marwede at Alpena High School, will most likely join the Cardinals at either first base or in the outfield in 2013-14. Last season she helped lead Alpena to the Regional Championship and a 26-10 overall record.
Lauren Groendyk
A middle infielder who prepped for Michelle Brander at Grandville High School. In 2012, she was named to the All-Conference and All-District teams and was also selected as Team MVP.
"Lauren has great range at the middle infield position and a cannon for an arm. She will work hard to contribute right away." – Coach Buckingham
Annie Hansen
A two-year player for head coach Dave Seranfini at Petoskey High School. Hansen is a two-time All-Conference, All-District and All-Region selection for the Northmen. She was also voted team MVP and Rookie of the Year by her teammates.
"Annie is the type of player every coach wants...hard working, great presence to be around and versatile talent. Her work ethic alone will make it hard to keep her off the field." – Coach Buckingham
Evy Lobdell
A standout player for head coach Mick Ream at Dansville High School. In 2012 she was named All-State, All-Region, All-District and All-CMAC First Team as she helped lead the Aggies to the MHSAA Division IV State Championship in 2012.
Temara Lupu
"Temara is one of the strongest kids I have ever recruited, and will be a force to deal with at the plate and on the field...wherever that may be...she has the versatility to play almost anywhere." – Coach Buckingham
Taylor Moceri
Has prepped for two years for head coach Anthony Misuraca at Stevenson High School. She was named First Team All-MAC Red, All-Region, All-District and Second Team All-Macomb County. In 2011, she was named All-Mac Red Honorable Mention and Academic All-State.
"Taylor is a very non-protype third baseman, but she has all the skills to be a four year impact player. She has great hands and a quick release, two essentials for a quality college third baseman." – Coach Buckingham
A two-year player for head coach Dave Seranfini at Petoskey High School. She was named First-Team All Conference, All-District, All-Area and All-Region in 2012. She was also named Northmen "Rookie of the Year" in 2012.
"Jenna is a hard working outfielder with great fundamentals and a superb attitude. She will do whatever is asked with a smile!" – Coach Buckingham
Devin Schomberg
Prepped at Waterford-Mott High School for Tom Cuthrell. She was a three-year letter winner and two-year captain for the Corsairs and garnered All-KLAA, All-District, Honorable Mention All Oakland County, and KLAA All-Academic accolades in 2012.
"Devin has a chance to come in and get some real quality innings for us on the mound. With her willingness to learn and work ethic, she can be a big part of our program." – Coach Buckingham
Abilgail Stoner
Prepped at Mattawan High School for head coach Alicia Smith as a corner infielder. Stoner was named First Team All-State, as she help lead the Wildcats to the State Championship her junior season. Stoner led all players in the MHSAA in homeruns in 2012. In 2012 she led her squad in home runs, doubles, RBI's, Sluggling Percentage, On Base Percentage and Fielding Percentage. Over the past two seasons she has hit 50 home runs.
"Abby brings power to the program. She will be a great hitter for us the next four years and has the potential to be one of the best hitters in the GLIAC" – Coach Buckingham