Fresno State Athletics
Softball Adds Seven Newcomers for 2008
9/21/2007 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Sept. 21, 2007
FRESNO, Calif. - The Fresno State softball team is excited to have seven newcomers join the team for the 2008 season. Head Coach Margie Wright, entering her 23rd season, brings in talented players from across the country.
The addition of the seven newcomers features depth in the pitching circle, solid infielders, outfielders and a catcher. The players range from California, to Arizona to Indiana.
Fresno State is coming off its 26th straight NCAA Appearance, the only team to earn a berth into every tournament, and finished with a 47-18 record last year.
Here is a look at the incoming players:
Nicole Angene comes to Fresno State from Norco High School and played for the SoCal Athletics 18-Gold summer team. She was teammates with Haley Gilleland during the summer and plays third base.
"Nicole is a great athlete; can play a lot of positions and will be one of our power hitters," Wright said. "She is a great ball player and wants to win."
Ashley Cox didn't move far to attend Fresno State. Cox graduated from Clovis West High School where she was the TRAC Pitcher of the Year and named to the Fresno Bee All-Star Team. She played with the Fresno Force 18-Gold summer team.
"Ashley is a great student of the game and I believe can have a great deal to do with our success this season," Wright said.
Haley Gilleland also comes from Clovis West and was named the TRAC Player of the Year in her senior season as an infielder. She was also named to the Cal-Hi Sports' All-State First Team. Gilleland played with Angene on the SoCal Athletics 18-Gold.
"Haley is a great infielder with the ability to make things happen," Wright said. "She has nice range in the middle infield, as well as the ability to play other positions and that's going to help the program a great deal."
Morgan Melloh joins Fresno State from Fishers, Indiana, where she played at Hamilton Southeastern High School. She was a three-time All-North Player of the Year and went undefeated in the circle her senior season as a left-handed pitcher.
"Morgan will be a real plus for our program. It's great to have a lefty on the staff and she is a great athlete , who will be a major contributor to the strength of our offense."
Andrea Ortega comes to Fresno State from Coronado High School in Scottsdale, Arizona and played summer ball for the Arizona Lil' Saints 18-Gold. She was a Second Team High School All-American as a utility player.
"Andrea is a tremendous all-around athlete who can play a lot of positions," Wright said. "She is extremely competitive and her ability to play anywhere, should have an immediate impact."
Ashlie Rosenberg comes to Fresno State from Centennial High School in Glendale, Arizona and was a teammate with Ortega on the Arizona Lil' Saints 18-Gold summer team. Rosenberg was a First Team All-Arizona infielder her senior season.
"Ashlie is a very versatile athlete that can play anywhere on the field and will have a great impact on our offense," Wright said.
Caitlin Stiglich joins the Bulldogs from Hart High School in Newhall, Calif. She played with the Valley Breeze 18-Gold summer team and was named to the Second Team All-Southern Section as a catcher.
"Caitlin is an outstanding catcher and a great hitter," Wright said. "She works extremely hard and will have no problem stepping into that starting position vacated by Nichole Willis."
