Nov. 15, 2005

ATHENS, Ohio - Head Coach Jill Matyuch has announced high school seniors Shalene Petrich and Deanna Hartsough have signed national letters of intent to play softball for Ohio next season.

Petrich, a native of Chehalis, Wash., played third base for William F. West High School. Petrich, a high school teammate of sophomore pitcher Michelle Sauter, also played for the Washington Heat summer league team where she roamed centerfield.

Petrich, who bats left-handed and throws right-handed, was named first-team all-state last year and led her team to third place at the Washington State Championships. She was also a first-team all-conference selection her junior year.

Petrich's sophomore campaign featured first-team all-conference and honorable mention all-state nods. She led her team to league and district championships and a third place finish in the 3A state championships. Petrich was named the High School Rookie of the Year her freshman year and also garnered second-team all-conference honors.

"We are excited to have Shalene join our Bobcat family," Head Coach Jill Matyuch said. "We expect Shalene to make an immediate offensive impact. She will add speed and power to our lineup."

Hartsough, a Santa Ana, Calif. Native, pitched and played first base for powerhouse Foothill High School and the San Diego County Breakers. She also played for the 16-and-under and 18-and-under American Athletics summer league squad from 2003 to 2005.

Hartsough, who bats left-handed and throws right-handed, was named second-team All-Sea View League her junior campaign. She led her team to the Sea View League Championship and into the second round of the California Interscholastic Federation Tournament her junior season. She was named a varsity scholar-athlete in both her sophomore and junior seasons.

Hartsough, who owns a 4.0 grade point average, was a member of the Principal's Honor Roll from 2003-2005 and was given the Award of Excellence in 2003 and 2004. She was also a member of the Who's Who Among American High School Students list in 2003 and 2004 and the National Society of High School Scholars in 2004.

"Deanna is a strong left-handed hitter who pitches and plays first base," Matyuch said. "She will add strength to our offense and versatility in our defense."

The Bobcats kick off the 2006 season Feb. 17 with games against Towson and Campbell at the Holiday Inn Express Pirate Classic hosted by East Carolina.