Softball Adds Three During Early Signing Period
    Saints Have Promising Recruiting Class
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    Dec. 9, 2009

    Deanna Parks announced the commitment of three high school seniors to play for the Saints next fall through binding National Letters of Intent received during the recently completed early signing period. Darcy Gardner, Samantha Ray and Jessika-Jo Sandrini all are expected to be tremendous additions to the roster.

    Parks and assistant coach Bill Lajeunesse said the trio was identified early as key components to building Siena into a MAAC Championship caliber program.

    "We could not be happier with this class of recruits," said Parks. "We were extremely selective in the players we targeted, and the fact that we were able to sign our top three prospects this fall is a sign that our program has turned a corner. All three of these student-athletes have extensive experience at the highest level of travel ball, work hard on and off the field, and have benefited from tremendous coaching. It is especially rewarding to know just how excited each is to get to campus and help us in our quest for a MAAC title."

    Gardner, a pitcher from Seal Beach, California has played the last two seasons at Los Alamitos High School. For the past three years Gardner has been a member of the California Scholarship Federation. She has an outstanding academic record and has been represented on the Principal's Honor Roll in both 2008 and 2009. In 2009 she also received the California STAR Achievement Award in English, Geometry, Chemistry and World History. As a senior she was a member of the CIF-SS Academic Softball Champion Team. As a 15-year-old softball player, she only gave up one run in two innings on the mound in an exhibition game against the Chinese Taipei Olympic Team.

    "Darcy has the potential to be a dominant force for us in the circle," Parks said. "She has great size, throws hard and knows how to exploit a hitter's weakness with her breaking pitches. A product of highly competitive high school and travel ball, Darcy is a tremendous addition to our roster."

    Ray, a top New York State prospect from Oceanside was selected as Nassau County's Player of the Year in 2009. She received many athletic honors, being named Oceanside MVP after helping her team capture the All-County and all-Long Island games last year. Ray was also named to the NYSSWA Class AA First Team. Her team captured the Division title in 2007 and the Conference title in 2008.

    "We targeted Sammy as one of the top prospects in the state, and are excited about the options she will add to our lineup as a power slapper," Parks said. "She is an excellent infielder, but could play a number of positions because of her versatility and speed."

    Jessika-Jo Sandrini joins the Saints from Chehails, Washington. During her time at Adna High School she was an All-League First Team Pitcher in 2007, 2008 and 2009. As both a junior and senior she was named All-League MVP. In 2009 Sandrini was also awarded the title of All Area MVP. For two straight years she was named Washington State Player of the Year for Class 2B.

    "Jessika-Jo is an incredibly gifted athlete, who is going to be fun to watch play in a Siena uniform," Parks remarked. "She is absolutely explosive in everything she does, and we think she will be one of the most dynamic players in the MAAC. She is equally talented as a pitcher and outfielder, and will also make an immediate impact in our offensive lineup."

     

     

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