Terp Softball Announces Five Signees For 2008
12/1/2006 7:00:00 AM | Softball
Dec. 1, 2006
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Maryland head softball coach Laura Watten announced five players to National Letters of Intent to play for the Terrapins in the 2007-2008 season. Coach Watten welcomes two junior transfers, Sarah Dooley and Saskia Kosterink, as well as freshmen Krista Gould, Kerry Hickey and Julie Lofland next year.
"This class of new signees are very eager to be a part of the Terrapin family," said Watten. "It is great to have such passionate and committed new members of the program, and it will be exciting to witness their impact and growth throughout their careers at Maryland."
Sarah Dooley, a pitcher from Gulf Coast Community College in Panama City, Fla., posted a 0.88 ERA and was 32-6 in her final season with the Commodores. The St. Louis, Mo. native was named first team All-American for the Panhandle Conference and helped her team finish as runner-ups in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Nationals.
"Sarah is another great compliment to our pitching staff as she will bring a wealth of experience and accomplishments," said Watten. "She is a JUCO All-American and has proven her ability to beat some of the best hitters in the country."
Saskia Kosterink, an outfielder also out of Gulf Coast Community College, garnered considerable international experience as a native of Oldenzaal, Netherlands. The junior transfer was named to the Canada Cup's All Star Team, and was named "Best Center Fielder." In 2006, she played on the team that finished twelfth in the World Championships, as well as the squad that garnered third place in the Canada Cup.
In her first season with the Commodores, Kosterink was named all-conference and first-team all-state, as the team finished as Panhandle Conference Champions.
"We are excited to have Saskia as a part of our program. She has a great passion and love for the game and brings a great amount of experience and leadership to the team," said Watten. "Saskia is a player who we feel will make an immediate impact on the program, both offensively and defensively."
At Huntingtown High School in southern Maryland, pitcher Kerry Hickey posted a 31-3 overall record, 519 strikeouts and a .239 ERA over 234 innings pitched. She allowed just 99 walks and struck out 10 or more hitters in 32-of-34 starts. Hickey also recorded a .431 batting average and a .712 slugging percentage.
Hickey helped lead her team to the SMAC co-championship in 2006 was named first-team All-Met by The Washington Post in 2005 and 2006.
"Kerry is a proven strength on the mound. She has been a standout pitcher in the state of Maryland," said Watten. "Keri's greatest attributes are her extreme work ethic in combination with her positive attitude. She will be a great addition to our pitching staff."
Krista Gould, a four-year infield starter for Peninsula High School in Rolling Hills Estates, Calif., attained a .300 batting average and a .986 fielding percentage for her high school. She was named to the first team for the All Bay League in 2006 and to the second team All Bay League in 2005. Gould also lettered four years in softball and three in volleyball.
The Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif. native also competed in the Gold Nationals with her club team, the Mizuno Pride. She earned a .281 after 96 at-bats with the Pride and a .950 fielding percentage
"Krista is an aggressive middle infielder and all around player who will be able contribute in many areas of the field," said Watten. "She is a great offensive threat as well and is determined to be an immediate contributor to the team."
Julie Lofland, a catcher out of Mustang High School in Mustang, Okla., led the Mustangs in stolen bases (17) and posted a .331 batting average and a .953 fielding percentage in her senior season. Lofland earned a spot on the 2006 Oklahoma High School Girls Fastpitch Softball Coaches Association's All-State Team and was also named to the All-Region first team.
"Julie has a great game sense. As a catcher, she takes control behind the plate, is aggressive and an all around leader," said Watten. "Julie also brings a great amount of offensive strength to the team as well as speed on the bases."
The Terps open the season on February 16, 2007 against Michigan in the FAU-Dunkin' Donuts Classic.
