Softball Set To Add Six Standouts In 2013-14

Bridgeport, Conn.-University of Bridgeport head softball coach Dawn Stearns is pleased to announce that six student-athletes have signed National Letters of Intent to join the UB softball program in the Fall of 2013.  Joining the Purple Knights will be:  Kerri Agrela (Smithfield, R.I.), Alyssa Bua (Salisbury, N.Y.), Tara Faford (N. Grafton, Mass.), Ashley Hessler (Pawtucket, R.I.), Kaitlyn Lajoie (Vernon, Conn.) and Meghan O'Leary (Lafayette, N.J.).

Stated coach Stearns, "I'm really excited about this group of ladies joining our program.  They all excel both on the softball field and in the classroom.  I look for this group to help our program continue to improve and move up the East Coast Conference standings."

Biographical Information On The Six Incoming Member of the Bridgeport Softball Class of 2017:

Kerri Agrela-Catcher- Smithfield, R.I./Smithfield High School-Accomplished batter that post batting averages of .503 (Fr.), .491 (Soph.) and .433 (Jr.) plus hit .586 in summer ball.  Earned Honorable Mention Division I Rhode Island All-State honors as junior.  Has a 3.2 grade point average and plans to major in Criminal Justice and Human Security at UB.

Alyssa Bua-Pitcher-Salisbury, N.Y./Cornwall Central High School-Impressive hurler who has helped her team advance each season in the New York State Tournament compiling and sterling 61-7 overall record in her first three seasons in the circle.  Has recorded 14 shutouts in her sophomore and junior years.  Plans to major in Business at Bridgeport.

Tara Faford-Utility-N. Grafton, Mass./Grafton High School-Helped her team to the Massachusetts Division 2 state title her junior year.  Three-sport star competing in field hockey, indoor track & field plus softball.  Will be this year's softball team captain after finishing last season as the third leading hitter in the Southern Worcester County League with a batting average of .493. Possesses a 3.5 grade point average and has been on the honor roll every semester in high school, she plans on majoring in Criminal Justice at UB.

Ashley Hessler-Infielder-Pawtucket, R.I/William E. Tolman High School-Has helped her team to Division II East Regional tiles the last two seasons.  Outstanding athlete who has also been a member of the swimming and competitive cheerleading teams.  Posted a .368 batting average and a .632 slugging percentage during her junior season.  Member of the National Honor Society who has 3.96 grade point average and plans to major in Biology/Physician's Assistant at the University of Bridgeport.

Kaitlyn Lajoie-Pitcher-Vernon, Conn./Rockville High School-Helped her team to the 2012 Connecticut Class L State Title posting an impressive 22-2 record with 183 strikeouts in 119 innings pitched.  Also had a 0.76 earned run average with eight shutouts during the 2012 season, when she also had a .458 batting average.  Member of the National Honor Society who has 3.90 grade point average and plans to major in Criminal Justice with a possible minor in Psychology or Spanish at UB.

Meghan O'Leary-Infielder-Lafayette, N.J./High Point Regional High School-Starting shortstop for the undefeated North Jersey Athletic Conference squad at High Point Regional plus received recognition on several All-Region and All-State teams.  Set a single season school record for double in 2012.  A well-rounded athlete, she is also a standout in soccer and basketball.  Active in Student Government, DECA, Peer Leadership, O'Leary has a 3.78 grade point average and plans on majoring in Criminal Justice at Bridgeport.