Three transfers join Bulldog Softball

FRESNO, Calif. – Head coach Linda Garza has announced the addition of three Div. I transfers – two of which have earned NFCA All-Region honors - that will join the Fresno State softball program for the 2019 season.

All three newcomers are Californians, as valley natives Kelcey Carrasco (Woodlake, Calif./Tulare Western HS/Michigan State) and Julianna Martinez (Fresno, Calif./Clovis West HS/CSUN) return home along with pitcher Hailey Dolcini (Ferndale, Calif./Fortuna HS/UC Riverside).

"I'm excited about this group," Garza said. "They have Valley ties, bring experience, and want to be Bulldogs. Each of them add to our roster and help us get closer to where we want to be as a program. All three understand our blue-collar mentality and have a relentless focus on helping us bring back a MW title. In every conversation with them, the focus surrounds competing, being pushed, and feeling a sense of belonging, and I have no doubt the Red Wave will not be disappointed in our future."

The three new Bulldogs all saw significant playing time last season while both Carrasco and Dolcini have earned NFCA All-Region honors. Dolcini was one of the premier pitchers on the west coast last year as she went 15-9 with a 1.80 ERA over 159.2 innings pitched to earn All-Region and All-Big West honors as a freshman at UC Riverside. Carrasco was the cleanup hitter for Big-10 school Michigan State as a sophomore and during her freshman season she broke the program record for homers by a freshman with 11 en route to All-Region second team honors.

Welcome back to the valley Tulare Western HS alum and Michigan State transfer Kelcey Carrasco! #GoDogs

📰 https://t.co/RaeCjH5EFd pic.twitter.com/x8S2BJGaK9
— Fresno State Softball (@FresnoStateSB) July 13, 2018

Carrasco played two seasons at Michigan State, combining to hit .310 with 17 home runs, 73 RBIs, a .521 slugging percentage, and a .363 on-base percentage in 110 games. She started all 58 MSU games as a freshman and had 42 starts as a sophomore playing catcher and first base and serving as the designated player. She was third on the team with a .328 average with a .542 slugging percentage and 40 RBIs during her freshman season, compiling 16 multiple-hit games and earning NFCA All-Great Lakes Region second team honors.

Carrasco had a standout high school career at Tulare Western as she was ranked No. 92 nationally by flosoftball.com in the class of 2016. She led her team to the 2015 East Yosemite League championship while being named conference MVP and was a Times-Delta/Advance-Register first team selection. Carrasco broke the school record with 25 career home runs and she hit .415 with 110 RBIs in her career to earn recruiting interest from Power-5 schools including Michigan State, Arizona State, Oklahoma, Cal, and Washington.

"Kelcey brings power to the plate and a proven ability to drive in runs," Garza said. "She has Power 5 experience, has shown she can compete with the best, and is committed to helping us get back to the NCAA Tournament. Kelcey will compete as a utility with experience at 1B, C and DP. We are excited to have another Valley native playing at Margie Wright Diamond and looking forward to her helping us win."

Welcome to the Bulldog family to UC Riverside transfer Hailey Dolcini! #GoDogs

📰 https://t.co/9wYWSV6KD3 pic.twitter.com/5ZHq8TrgeJ
— Fresno State Softball (@FresnoStateSB) July 13, 2018

Dolcini was NFCA All-Pacific Region third team, All-Big West second team, and was named to the Big West All-Freshman team in her first collegiate season at UC Riverside. She pitched in 34 games with 26 starts, going 15-9 with a 1.80 ERA over 159.2 innings pitched. She led the team and ranked third in the Big West in ERA, recording 46 consecutive scoreless innings March 3-March 24 with five straight scoreless starts, including seven scoreless innings while allowing just four hits in a 3-0 shutout win over MW champion Boise State. She also threw a no-hitter against CSUN on April 14, needing only 86 pitches in a seven inning no-no.

Dolcini was a high school All-American at Fortuna HS, earning MaxPreps Small Schools All-America First Team honors as a senior. She was a four-time Humboldt Del Notre (HDN) league MVP, team champion, and All-Small Schools CA First Team selection as she was 83-15 with a 0.56 ERA over 636.2 innings pitched in her high school career. She also earned national recognition in USA Today as she started "K's for Kids Cancer" herself, raising and donating $10,000 to non-profits.

"I first saw Hailey pitch at age 14 and I knew she could be special," Garza said. "I'm pumped to have her join our program. Hailey compliments our staff and brings DI experience. She won big games as a freshman, wants to be get better, and isn't afraid of competition. I'm excited to have her work with Coach Cox and be part of this team. When she told us she wanted to be a Bulldog, her first words were 'I want to win and I want to help this team win.'".

Welcome back to Fresno to Clovis West HS alum and CSUN transfer Julianna Martinez! #GoDogs

📰 https://t.co/9wYWSV6KD3 pic.twitter.com/bO8zX5hd1w
— Fresno State Softball (@FresnoStateSB) July 13, 2018

Martinez returns home as she was born and raised in Fresno. She appeared in 32 games with 12 starts as a freshman at CSUN (Cal State Northridge), starting games in left field, right field, and as the designated player. She posted five hits in 32 at-bats with four RBIs and 10 runs scored and will fit into Fresno State's offensive approach as she drew five walks, was hit by a pitch three times, and only struck out three times in 40 plate appearances last year.

Martinez played four seasons for coach Peggy Rigby at Clovis West High School, earning first team All-Tri River Athletic Conference (TRAC) honors three times as well as All-Region honors in 2017. She was chosen as a 2017 City-County All-Star and was the 2017 Junior League Women's Athlete of the Year for Clovis West as she hit .500 with a .582 on-base percentage and a .855 slugging percentage during her senior season.

"Julianna will add depth to our roster and much needed speed to our offense," Garza said. "I had a chance to see her compete early in her career and was always impressed by her work-ethic and passion to compete. She has a strong connection to family and having her parents and brother nearby may play a major factor in her success as a Bulldog."

The three transfers will join the team along with a group of six freshmen signed by Garza last November. Fresno State lost five seniors to graduation following the 2018 season.

"Just the Ticket to Build Our Community" – The Bulldog Scholarship Fund gives Bulldog alumni, fans and friends the opportunity to support Fresno State Athletics and the student-athletes who inspire them. For information about how you can support the Bulldog Scholarship Fund, please visit www.bulldogscholarshipfund.com or call 559-278-7160.

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Three transfers join Bulldog Softball

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