Index of Sports Press Releases

Mar. 26, 2008

DWU Softball Signs Four

MITCHELL, S.D. — Dakota Wesleyan University head softball coach Marie McCarthy has announced the signing of four players to join the DWU softball program.

Nicole Haley from Ruben S. Ayala High School (Chino Hills, Calif.), Jayme Houdek from Schuyler Central High School (Schuyler, Neb.), Lauren Lynds from Centennial High School (Las Vegas) and Brandi Nekrassoff from Bella Vista High School (Fair Oaks, Calif.) all have committed to play for the Tigers during the 2008-09 softball season.

Haley (5-4, outfielder) was named All-Sierra League First Team and All-Inland Valley First Team as a sophomore. She was also recognized as an All-Sierra League Second-Team honoree her freshman and junior years. Haley was voted team MVP her sophomore year and is a three-year letterwinner in volleyball and a four-year letterwinner in softball. She received the Scholar-Athlete Award her freshman, sophomore and junior years, and she plans to major in athletic training.

“Nicole will fit in well with our program as she brings a great attitude and work ethic to the game. She will add speed to the outfield and on the base path,” McCarthy said. “Nicole is an excellent student in the classroom. We are excited to have her join our program.”

Houdek (5-8, infielder) is a four-year letterwinner in softball and track at Schuyler Central High School in Schuyler, Neb. She was named All-Conference Second Team and Academic All-State. Off the field, Houdek is a member of the honor roll and the National Honor Society.

Lynds (5-4, pitcher/outfielder/second baseman) was named All-State Second Team and All-Northwest Division First Team her junior year. She was named defensive player of the year and is a three-year letterwinner in softball at Centennial High School in Las Vegas. She had a 12-2 pitching record and a 1.51 ERA. Academically, Lynds has received the Scholar-Athlete Award.

“Lauren is a competitor, and I am confident she will give 100 percent effort while striving for personal and team success. She is a versatile player who has experience on the mound, in the outfield and at second base,” McCarthy said. “She is an outstanding student and will be highly successful in the classroom. We look forward to having her play an important role in DWU softball.”

Nekrassoff (5-3, third baseman/pitcher) was named All-League First Team as a junior and All-League Second Team as a sophomore. She was voted most valuable player by her team her junior year and is a four-year letterwinner in softball at Bella Vista High School in Fair Oaks, Calif. Nekrassoff had a batting average of .338, ERA of 1.159 and 10 stolen bases her junior year.

“I am very excited to have Brandi join the Dakota Wesleyan softball program. She will add depth to our pitching staff next season and may also see action in the corners,” McCarthy said. “I know she has set high goals for herself on and off the field, and I look forward to seeing her strong work ethic. She will be a great asset to our team.”

The Tigers currently have a 5-6 overall record and host Morningside College for the GPAC opener on Wednesday (March 26). These are the first commitments for the softball program for the 2008-09 recruiting class.