The season is several months away, but Pittsburg State softball coach Brad Horky has already started to take advantage of the early signing period for 2011.
On Wednesday, the Gorillas landed four high school players who signed national letters of intent for the Fall 2011 season.
The Gorillas picked up pitcher Samantha Grove, from Rising Sun (Md.) High School — the farthest recruit for the Gorillas thus far for the 2011 season.
“Sam was a great find for us. She is a hard throwing pitcher with great 18-Under Gold experience from the east coast,” Horky said. “Sam has a great curve and slider, and loves to pitch inside. She easily throws in the 63-64 range and will help us immediately.”
Horky also signed pitcher/utility player Jessica Barnes from Pawhuska (Okla.) High School. Barnes will come to PSU from the same hometown as former pitcher Stephanie Moore.
“Jessica is a very strong athlete/pitcher that has a lot of untapped potential. She can swing a heavy bat and she's very strong on the mound,” Horky said. “Jessica is expected to get time at first base as well.”
Tiffany Brown, a pitcher from Catoosa (Okla.) High School is Horky’s second Oklahoma product to sign during the early period.
“We are very excited with the signing of Tiffany. She is a top pitcher/athlete. Tiffany only lost one game on the mound this entire high school season in Oklahoma,” Horky said. “She also swings a great bat, and catches when she doesn't pitch. She is probably the best athlete of our recruiting class. Signing Tiffany was one of our top goals in this recruiting class right from the start.”
The Gorillas’ final signee was Breanna McCracken, an infield/utility player from Olathe South High School.
“Breanna will help us immediately on defense and at the plate. She has a great swing and great athletic ability,” Horky said. “Breanna is a hard worker that we will find a place for her freshman year.”
Matthew Clark can be reached at matthew.clark@morningsun.net or at 620-231-2600, Ext. 140. Follow Morning Sun sports at twitter.com/mssports
