AUGUST 22, 2006

LADY YOTES COMPLETE 2007 RECRUITING CLASS

CALDWELL, Idaho - The Albertson College of Idaho softball team completed its recruiting class for the 2007 season by signing nine more players to NAIA Letters of Intent, according to head coach Al Mendiola.

The group includes a pair of junior college transfers, along with seven true freshmen - with five of the nine players hailing from Idaho.

Leading the group are the JC transfers - Amy Rhoades from Dixie State and Stefanie Gonsalves from the College of the Siskiyous.  Rhoades, a former All-State player at Eagle High, hit .264 with 11 RBI at Dixie last season - primarily as a second baseman.  Gonsalves has been away from the game for two years, but earned All-Conference honors as an outfielder in 2004.

Local products dot the true freshmen list.  All-Stars Amaia Enrico and Katie Murphy helped Bishop Kelly to the 4A state title last May, while both Becky Camperud (Vallivue) and Ashley Wolff (Caldwell) each were named to the All-Southern Idaho Conference list.

Rounding out the list are Lizzy Whittemore, Dani Villyard, and Mikel Willard.  Whittemore, from Yarmouth, Maine, was an All-State selection last year; Villyard, from Kent, Wash., helped Kentlake High to the 4A state tournament; while Willard, from Sherwood, Ore., helped Sherwood High to the Tri-Valley League championship and a 3A state tournament berth.

The group joins six other freshmen recruits, along with 19 returning lettermen, gunning to improve on an 18-25 mark last season.