LaSalle Softball Signs Six | cnbnews
Saturday, December 01, 2012
“This is my first recruiting class and I could not be more pleased,” Shoemaker said . “This group will add power, speed, solid defense and pitching to our program. The future of La Salle softball is bright and has been made even brighter with the signing of these six student-athletes, both on the field as well as in the classroom.”
Christina Bascara (Yardley, Pa./Pennsbury) is a 5'7” third baseman and offensive powerhouse. Bascara was a major contributor to Pennsbury's success both her sophomore and junior years. As a junior, Bascara was selected All-Area Player of the Year and was First Team Third Baseman after batting .568. She is also a member of the National Honor Society.
Coach Shoemaker: “Christina is coming off an incredible fall ball season. She hit multiple home runs and opened eyes everywhere she played. We are so happy to have Christina and her passion for softball in our program.”
Val Buehler (Morrisville, Pa./Pennsbury) will add depth to the pitching squad. The 5'3” hurler helped Pennsbury to an impressive second-place state finish with a 23-4 record her sophomore year and a 22-5 record her junior year. This coming season will mark her third year on the varsity squad.
Coach Shoemaker: “Val brings a history of success pitching big games both at the high school level as well as on the national travel ball scene, we expect that success to continue here at La Salle.”
Tori Gollie (Northampton, Pa./Northampton) is a 5'5” athlete capable of playing multiple positions. Gollie carried a .381 batting average her sophomore year in addition to pitching a no-hitter. She was also named First Team All-LVC for utility player. This coming season will mark her fourth year on the varsity squad – she was the only freshman selected to play varsity. Gollie was a versatile athlete, earning three varsity letters in field hockey and was named captain her senior year.
Coach Shoemaker: “Tori is a multiple position player. Her versatility and athleticism will be a great asset to us. Tori's speed and arm will be a weapon in our outfield.”
Michelle Hagarty (Boothwyn, Pa./Chichester) is a 5'4” shortstop who earned First Team All-Delco honors her junior year. Hagarty batted .489 and recorded 24 RBIs for her club team, Delco Rage. She is a tremendous athlete, earning varsity letters in field hockey (3), volleyball (1), and basketball (2). Hagarty is also distinguished in the classroom, earning membership into the Rho Kappa Honor Society, National Honor Society, and the Spanish Honor Society.
Coach Shoemaker: “She is as good a defensive shortstop to come out of the area in a long time. Michelle also is a very strong gap hitter who will hit some home runs before she is finished with college”
Marisa Kinneer (Pottstown, Pa./Pottstown) is a 5'7” infielder who plays both second base and shortstop. In her sophomore year she helped Pottstown reach the AAA district championship game for the first time in school history. Kinneer batted .354 with four doubles, two triples, and nineteen runs on the season. On the pitcher's mound she recorded 131 strikeouts over 173 innings. In addition to softball, Kinneer was a standout basketball player, earning varsity letters all four years in high school. She was the highest point scorer her sophomore and junior seasons and the highest three point shooter her freshman, sophomore and junior seasons.
Coach Shoemaker: “Marisa brings a joy to the softball field that is contagious to teammates. She is a top defensive 2nd basemen and a good solid contact hitter.”
Suzanne Swanicke (Yardley, Pa./Pennsbury) is a 5'10” infielder who specializes in first base and catching. Swanicke helped Pennsbury to state runner-up and district runner-up finishes in her sophomore year. She also helped her club team, Sports Connection, to a state runner-up finish in 2011 and 2012. In addition to her performance on the field, Swanicke is also a member of the National Honor Society.
Coach Shoemaker: “Suzanne is a middle of the line-up hitter who can play multiple positions defensively which makes her so very valuable to the team.”
The Explorers begin season play on February 16 in Farmville, Va. at the Lancer Leadoff. The home opener is on Friday, March 22 when they take on the city-rival Temple Owls.