Softball | 8/28/2019 3:40:00 PM
MIAMI SHORES, Fla. -- Barry University head softball coach
Sean Cotter announced the 2019 signing class on Wednesday.
"After bringing in a huge freshman class in 2018, this years class is a bit smaller, but we are very excited for them to arrive to campus," Cotter said. "We bring in three pitchers that had a good deal of success this year for their high school and club teams. Sarah Johnson, Cassie Lee, and Jordy Hartley all bring something different to the table, and I think they will make a great staff for the Buccaneers."
Johnson was named the 2019 Daily Press Softball Player of the Year while leading Menchville High School to its first softball state tournament during her senior year. She recorded 13 of her teams 21 wins during the season in 101 innings of work, striking out 178 batters and throwing seven shutouts while limiting opponents to a .115 batting average. Johnson graduated high school with an impressive 3.96 grade-point average and will study to become an aquatic veterinarian at Barry.
Lee pitched and played the outfield at Fenwick High School hitting .446 with 15 RBI. She also threw 37.2 innings with 71 strikeouts with a 2.04 ERA. Lee says, "When I first visited Barry, the staff, team and campus made me feel at home. I knew after that visit that Barry University was the school for me."
Hartley hails from Newmarket, Ontario and played with the Toronto Fastpitch Club last year. She started 21 of 29 games in 110 innings of work with 11 complete games. Hartley totaled a record of 13-6 with a 1.90 ERA while striking out 106 batters. "I could not be more excited to sign with Barry U! Without the amazing support of my family, teammates and Toronto Fastpitch coaches, this dream could not have become a reality," Hartley said.
"Kayla Posten and Rylee Lord are two impact infielders for us, that can both swing the bat," Cotter said. "Rounding out the freshman class is Maddie Spires, who is a utility pitcher and outfielder that will help the overall depth of our roster. We really believe that all six of these freshman love to compete, love to be coached, and love to win," Cotter added.
Posten comes to Miami Shores as a four-year letterman at Cherry Hill West High School in New Jersey boasting a career batting average of .414 and earning two Carpenter Cup selections and an All-South Jersey selection as an infielder. She also played travel ball for Nightmare Fastpitch. "I visited numerous schools before committing to Barry. Once I saw the campus and met the coaches, I knew where I wanted to go. Barry was the perfect match for me," Posten said.
Lord, also a four-year letterman, hit 13 home runs in her career at Basha High School in Queen Creek, Arizona. During her senior year, she batted .422 with three home runs and 27 RBI. "I love how diverse the school and students are and I love the class sizes. The environment surrounding the school can't be beat!," Lord said.
Spires is the only freshman Floridian in the class coming by way of Citrus High School in Inverness, Florida that was named Miracle Sports All-State Honorable Mention during her junior year. She went 40-85 (.471) with 19 RBI in 27 games. In the circle, she made 22 appearances recording a 7-6 record and 3.23 ERA. During her time on campus, Spires said "Walking around campus, everyone made me feel welcomed and like I belong."
Aside from the six freshman, Cotter signed three veteran players from three successful junior college programs.
"Payton Germer really came on during her sophomore year at Seminole State," Cotter said. The Chuluota, Florida native helped lead the Raiders to a 46-17 record and a trip to the FCSAA State Softball Tournament. Germer was a part time catcher for a pitching staff with a 2.83 ERA, good enough for fifth in the FCSAA (23 total teams). As the every day first basemen, Germer hit .310 with five home runs and 33 RBI. "BarryU exceeded my expectations from the moment I stepped foot on campus. I fell in love with the atmosphere and the charisma it holds," Germer said.
"Victoria Perry had a great start to her sophomore season at Polk State until an injury cut it short," Cotter said. Perry hails from Avon Park and played in 41 games hitting .265 with five home runs and 25 RBI her sophomore year with Polk State. "She will provide some left side of the infield depth, as well as depth in the line-up," Cotter added. "I chose BarryU because I wanted to be able to further my education and softball career at a higher level and thankfully, here, I was given that opportunity," Perry said.
"Lastly, Michelle Roldan can play 1st and 3rd and had a fantastic offensive year at Western Arizona," Cotter stated. Roldan will call the east coast home for the next two years, coming from Calexico, California. The JUCO transfer hit .427 with nine home runs and 53 RBI. "We hope she can be a true middle.
