Ball State University Athletics
Softball Adds Four Players For 2008 In Early Signing Period
November 27, 2006 | Softball
"Overall our goal was to upgrade the team's speed and athleticism, and we feel like we have done that with this group of players," head coach Craig Nicholson says. "We will only graduate two seniors, so this group will increase our depth as a team and give us a chance to withstand injuries. All four players have a chance to come in and make an immediate impact on the program. In addition to their athletic ability, the coaching staff is excited to add four quality people to the program."
Collins' stats for 2006 at Mt. Vernon include a .300 batting average with 25 hits and 10 RBI. She earned All-Conference, All County, and All District honors. In 26 games as a junior in 2006, her on base percentage was .317 with a slugging percentage of .420. She has played for the Indy Edge Softball team, winning the Indiana ASA State Championship in 2004, 2005 and 2006.
"Alyssa is a left-handed hitter that could be placed at the top of the batting order," Ball State coach Craig Nicholson says. "She has experience with a successful club team and provides an upgrade in speed and athleticism to the team."
As a junior shortstop for Putnam City in 2006, Barkley earned Oklahoma First Team All-State honors with 44 hits, 20 RBI and a .393 batting average. Barkley was an All-Conference player with a fielding percentage of .975. Barkley plays 18U softball with Ultimate Gold.
"Alicia is a left-handed hitter with very good speed," Nicholson says. "She will be a middle infielder and could bat at the top of the order."
As a junior at Jackson in 2006, Moore's stats included a .376 batting average, 30 RBI and five home runs. Moore posted a 10-3 record as a pitcher and also contributed as an outfielder and middle infielder. She earned Second Team All-Northeast Ohio and First Team All-Federal League honors in 2006. Moore plays summer softball with the Ohio Grand Slam team.
"Jen is a right-handed hitter that has good power at the plate," Nicholson says. "She is a really good athlete who pitches in high school but will probably move to third base or be a utility player here at Ball State."
McCauley, an outfielder, led Eastern to an 18-12 record in 2006. She had four home runs, eight triples, six doubles, and 35 RBI. She also hit .472 with an .852 slugging percentage and 10 stolen bases. McCauley was named to both the All-28th District and All-Seventh Region teams. During the summer she plays for the Louisville Lady Sluggers.
"Caroline is a right-handed hitter that has the ability to drive the ball in the gaps with her power at the plate," Nicholson says. "She will be an upgrade in the outfield with very good speed and a great arm."
