Ball State University Athletics
Softball Announces The Signing Of Five Players
November 13, 2008 | Softball
MUNCIE, Ind. ? Five student-athletes signed national letters of intent Wednesday to join the Ball State softball program for the 2010 season.
The five players are: Audra Sanders (Lynnville, Ind./Tecumseh), Lauren Williamson (Anderson, Ind./Highland), Alyssa Freiling (Tulsa, Okla./Sequoyah), Amanda Carpenter (Santee, Calif./Santee) and Sadie Robertson (Fenton, Mo./Rockwood Summit).
“We are very excited about this class of student-athletes,” head coach Craig Nicholson said. “You cannot judge a class until they graduate; however, we have never been this thrilled about a class before. I believe they are going to be good students, good kids and good softball players.”
Sanders, a pitcher at Tecumseh High School combined for a 41-7 record her sophomore and junior seasons. In addition to earning First Team All-State honors both years, she was named the Courier Press Player of the Year in 2008 and Co-Player of the Year in 2007. In 334 innings on the mound, she posted 708 strikeouts, including six perfect games, 15 no-hitters and 12 one-hitters. She also combined for a 0.35 ERA.
“Audra is a good power pitcher and will add a lot to our pitching staff,” Nicholson said. “She has had a great high school career already and will be able to contribute her talents at Ball State.”
Williamson, a pitcher and utility player, plays at Anderson High School. She earned All-Conference and All-Area honors as a junior, as well as an honorable mention All-State selection. She posted a 0.93 ERA with 115 strikeouts including two perfect games and only 18 walks in 83 innings. Williamson hit a .282 at the plate as well as recorded a 1.000 field percentage in three positions.
“Lauren is someone who will give us flexibility by doing a lot of different things as a pitcher, third baseman and outfielder,” Nicholson said. “She is a team person who has the right mental approach to the game.”
Freiling, a shortstop, plays at Sequoyah High School. She earned All-Conference accolades as a junior when she batted .386. She plays club softball for the Tulsa Shootout Gold which qualified for gold nationals in 2008.
“In my opinion, Alyssa is one of the best high school shortstops in the country,” Nicholson said. “She has the whole package with hitting and great hands. She will be a solid midfielder for us in the future.”
Carpenter plays outfield at Santee High School. She was named Second Team All-California in 2008. She led East County as a junior with a .491 batting average. Carpenter also compiled a .810 slugging percentage with 57 hits, 17 doubles and six home runs while driving in 28 RBI and scoring 53 runs. She also swiped 16 stolen bases.
“Amanda is another girl with the whole package,” Nicholson said. “She runs well and plays great defense. She will be a huge plus for this program.”
Robertson plays at Rockwood Summit High School as a catcher. She was selected First Team All-Conference in her three years as well as Second Team All-State as a sophomore. Robertson was also voted Defensive Player of the Year the last three years. Her performance has allowed her to become the sixth player in school history to have her jersey admitted into the Rockwood Summit Hall of Fame.
“Sadie is a very good catcher and someone we needed to add to our mix,” Nicholson said. “She will be able to come in and contribute right away for us and will continue to improve every year.”
“We have some influential players coming in and we can't wait for them to get here,” Nicholson said.
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