Fresno State Athletics
Bulldog Softball Inks Three for 2003
12/5/2001 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Dec. 5, 2001
FRESNO, Calif. -
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Fresno State softball head coach Margie Wright has announced the signing of three incoming freshmen for the 2003 season this afternoon
The Bulldogs ink an outfielder, a pitcher and an infielder during the early signing period.
Donning the Bulldog Red and Blue in 2003 will be infielder Christina Clark (Santa Ana, Calif.), pitcher Laura Ferreira (El Sobrante, Calif.), and outfielder Nicole Shan (Whittier, Calif.).
Clark, whose older sister Jennifer was a four-year pitching standout for the Bulldogs from 1994-97, is rated one of the finest hitters and fielders coming out of high school. A three-time CIF selection and two-time NFCA All-American out of Mater Dei High School, Clark is a versatile infielder who can play as many as four positions.
The 5-9 right-handed pure hitter has been a three-time first team all-Serra League selection, garnering league MVP honors her junior season. Also capturing all-county first team accolades since her freshman year, Clark was selected first team All-State last season and named to the 2001 All-State Softball Team by Cal-Hi Sports.
As a freshman, Clark batted .340 and followed that up with a .386 average as a sophomore while totaling 39 hits, including seven doubles, home run, 13 runs, 11 stolen bases, nine walks and 18 RBI. Leading the Monarchs to the Serra League title and the Division II quarterfinals for the second straight year, Clark hit .322 and filled in as pitcher by recording two shutouts and a no-hitter as a junior. At the plate, she totaled 29 hits, four doubles, triple, eight walks, 13 runs, 11 stolen bases and13 RBI.
"Christina is an awesome player," said Wright, who is 20 victories shy of becoming the first Division I coach to record 1,000 Division I wins. "She will be a huge impact player for us and her loyalty to the Fresno State program is tremendous. An outstanding infielder with great power hitter, I can't wait for her to get here. She is a dedicated softball player who will be a very positive addition to our program."
Ferreira, a 6-1 right-hander out of Holy Names High School, boasts a variety of pitches and led the Monarchs to leagues titles in two of the last three seasons.
Planning to major in nursing at Fresno State, Ferreira posted a solid junior year after going 12-3 and leading HNHS to the Bay Shore Athletic League title. In 101 innings, Ferreira recorded 171 strikeouts to 11 walks while tossing six shutouts for a 0.21 ERA. The two-time all-league pick also recorded a 14-strikeout perfect game and combined for two no-hitters.
"We feel like we got a 'silent powerhouse' in Laura," Wright said. "She has come into her own this fall and has so much talent and ability. She will be a great addition to our pitching staff."
Shan, a 5-7 outfielder from La Habra High School, bats left and throws right. The three-year varsity starter has garnered second team all-Freeway League honors and is lightning quick along the base paths.
"Nicole is an outstanding student-athlete and an outstanding young woman," Wright said. "She will bring experience and stability to our outfield even as a freshman. I think she will become a very decorated player in our program."
Senior third baseman Lindsay Fossatti (Tustin, Calif.), an All-West Region pick, three-time first team all-Western Athletic Conference honoree and Verizon Academic All-American, received a $500 undergraduate scholarship from Ford Motor Company and Golden Key International Honour Society on behalf of the California State University, Fresno chapter.
Golden Key International Honour Society awards two scholarships annually to each of its 300 college and university chapters across the United States, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Australia, Canada, Malaysia, New Zealand and South Africa.
Membership into the Society is by invitation only to the top 15 percent of juniors and seniors in all fields of study.
The scholarship is awarded to the outstanding junior and senior based on overall scholastic performances, honors and awards received, leadership, campus and community activity, and work commitments. Nearly three million dollars have been awarded in scholarships to date.
Golden Key International Honour Society is a non-profit, international academic honors organization that provides academic recognition, scholarships, leadership opportunities, community service and career networking.
"It is only fitting that a high academic achiever like Lindsay be recognized by Golden Key," said Kali Boatright, Golden Key assistant executive director. "Our members are inspired and motivated by the challenge not only to be recognized for their outstanding accomplishments but also to make a positive impact on our world through the Society's commitment to service."
