The University of Evansville softball team has announced six players that will join local talents, Maggie Little (Rockport, Ind./South Spencer) and Katelyn Crabtree (Mt. Vernon, Ind./Mt. Vernon) for the 2009 season. Anne Vincelett (San Diego, Calif./Patrick Henry), Allison Aguilera (Crowne Point, Ind./Lake Central), Bethany Sanstrum (Gresham, Ore./Centennial), Amy Gaertner (Belleville, Ill./Althoff Catholic), Ashleigh Rahming (Reno, Nev./Reno) and Kylie Wagner (Orange County, Calif./El Modena) have signed national letters-of-intent to play softball at UE next season.

"This is one of the largest recruiting classes we have had for many years," said head coach Gwen Lewis. "I am very pleased with the make-up of this class. With this class, we wanted to accomplish speed,depth and pitching. I think we got what we needed and more."

Vincelett is a right-handed pitcher who comes to UE from San Diego, Calif. The 2006 Most Improved Player helped the Patriots to a Division I second place finish at the CIF San Diego Section Championships. Aside from softball, Vincelett was a member of the Patriots' varsity golf team.

"Anne is a hard-working young lady with a lot of experience under her belt," said Lewis. "She has a good arsenal of pitches and a strong bat."

Aguilera is a first baseman and outfielder from Crowne Point, Ind. She helped lead the Indians to a sectional championship in 2005 and 2006. For the past three yeas, she received the team's Mental Attitude award. Aguilera batted .508 with a .629 slugging percentage and a .533 on-base percentage with the Indiana Blaze this summer.

"Allison plays for one of the best travel ball teams in the state of Indiana. She is a strong hitter and has great versatility on defense."

A Gresham, Ore. native, "Dusty" Sanstrum helped lead the Eagles to a second place finish in the Class 6A Mt. Hood Conference Championships in 2006 and was voted All-League. In 2005, she had 67 consecutive plate appearances without a strikeout and had an 11 game hitting streak as a member of the Vancouver Power.

"Dusty is a good catcher and outfielder. She has a great attitude and work ethic to bring to the team."

Gaertner, a Belleville, Ill. native, is the reigning MVP of the South Seven Conference and led the Crusaders to a conference championship. She was named to the Class 2A All-Area second team for pitching. On May 9, she pitched a perfect game against O'Fallon High School, leading the Crusaders to a 4-0 victory.

"Amy can pitch and play just about anywhere on the field," said Lewis. "She has a good bat and will challenge for playing time immediately."

Rahming hit .378 and posted a 10-2 record with 1.33 ERA and 65 strikeouts for Reno High School last season. She was voted Sierra League Co-Pitcher of the Year and was an All-State selection. She was a member of the undefeated league champion team in 2006 and is currently a member of the California Breeze.

"Ashleigh is a great overall athlete who can pitch and play in the outfield. Her athleticism will make an immediate impact"

Wagner pitched a one-hitter with 15 strikeouts to lead No. 3 El Modena to a 5-1 victory in the championship game of the Woodbridge Softball Classic, striking out nine of the first ten she faced. Her performance led her to an All-State nomination. She is also a member of the So Cal Xplosion team.
 
"Kylie has a great command and control of her pitches. She brings a strong presence in the batter's box and will make an immediate impact."

"This is a very talented class both on the field and off the field,' said Lewis. "This particular bunch of ladies are going to be difference makers."