Lady Cajuns Add Pair Of Transfers For 2005
LOUISIANA La. - Louisiana's Ragin' Cajuns softball head coach Stefni Lotief announced Thursday the addition of two student-athletes who will transfer to the nationally ranked program for the 2005 season.
Lotief received commitments from Galveston College pitcher Ashley Kirchberg and University of Wisconsin infielder Tara Hamilton, both of whom will be enrolled for the Fall 2004 semester and eligible to compete during the 2005 season.
"We are very selective about the kinds of kids that we allow to transfer," Lotief said. "Both of these kids are from good families and have the desire to compete at the highest level. They have accepted the challenge of walking into a great program and are committed to excellence."
Kirchberg spent two seasons with Galveston College of the National Junior College Athletic Association earning first team All-Region XIV honors both seasons. She will be a junior with two seasons of eligibility remaining.
The Houston area native posted a 13-7 record with a 0.38 ERA for the Whitecaps during the 2004 regular season. She logged 149 innings, ranked second in the region with 182 strikeouts and allowed just eight earned runs.
"We've watched her pitch and compete since she was 12 years old," Lotief said. "She is a fierce competitor that knows how to win. She has pitched in some big games and has great composure."
Kirchberg's addition will give the Cajuns pitching depth and experience as they search for a successor to senior Brooke Mitchell whose eligibility expires following the 2005 season.
"We understand that this is a transitional period with the inevitable graduation of Brooke (Mitchell)," Lotief remarked. "It is our goal to continue to develop as a pitching staff and develop all of our pitchers so that we can keep the success of this program on track. You can never have enough good pitching."
Hamilton was recruited by the Cajuns out of Lumberton (Texas) High School prior to the 2004 season but chose to sign with Wisconsin. She spent her freshman season with the Badgers playing in 40 games competing in the Big 10 Conference.
Hamilton, who will be eligible as a sophomore with three years of eligibility remaining, was the starting first baseman for Wisconsin and also saw time at second base. She collected 22 hits with three doubles and eight RBI and sported a .979 fielding percentage.
A four-time first team All-District shortstop who hit .418 for her high school career, Hamilton was a highly regarded prospect.
"She is a very gifted athlete who we highly recruited out of high school," Lotief said. "Thankfully for both of us, sometimes you are given a second chance.
"Tara has the perfect Ragin' Cajuns mindset - she wants to be the best, play the best and compete at the highest level," Lotief added. "Obviously, the weather is a lot better in Louisiana than Wisconsin, too."
Hamilton and Kirchberg join six freshmen as newcomers to the 2005 Ragin' Cajuns softball team, who report for fall drills on Monday, Aug. 23.
The four-time defending Sun Belt champions return 14 letterwinners and starters at all positions from last season's 60-8 campaign, plus redshirt senior Jill Robertson, giving the Cajuns 23 players on the roster.
LOUISIANA SI
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