SB | Gaels Welcome Seven Newcomers - SMC California Athletics

MORAGA, Calif. – The Saint Mary's softball team has recruited seven new players in anticipation of the 2019 season. The Gaels have bolstered their roster under their new head coach, Sonja Garnett, who will lead her inaugural recruiting class this spring.

KAYLA CHING
Position: Infielder
Height: 5'1"

Ching made Second Team All-League in 2015-16 and also received Team MVP. The following year, she made First Team All-League in 2016-17 and was the co-captain while achieving Co-MVP. The infielder was a part of the 2016-17 Livermore Stampede All-Tournament Team and was also selected for Second Team All-League in 2017-18.

"Kayla is a fierce competitor, and will be an asset to our defense. We are looking forward to seeing what she does this year." - Sonja Garnett

MAZZIE DAVIES
Position: Outfielder
Height: 5'2"

Davies was a decorated athlete who was co-captain of her high school team all four years. She was awarded Female Athlete of the Year for Laguna Creek High School in 2016-2017 as well as receiving Team MVP for the 2016 and 2017 seasons. She was chosen for the "Newcomer of the Year" award for the California Pacific Conference in 2018 while playing for Simpson University. While a part of the NAIA softball division, she was ranked eighth nationally for hits and 14th for batting average during the 2018 season.

"Mazzie comes from a very competitive program where she led the team in batting average. She is a great outfielder and athlete."

MADISON MITCHELL
Position: Pitcher
Height: 5'9"

Mitchell was a four year scholar-athlete as well as a two year team captain in high school. She was named Best Defensive Player in 2015 and achieved Team MVP the following year. Mitchell received an Optimist All-Star selection, made the All-City Team and was a part of the First Team Capital Valley All Conference.

"We are excited to have Maddie joining the program. She will add great depth to our pitching staff this season."

KALISSA HEIHN
Position:
Height: 5'7"

Heihn played four years of varsity softball from 2015-2018 and was a part of the Bay Valley Athletics League Champions Team during each of those years. She achieved scholar athlete status during the 2015-17 seasons. Heihn was a part of the NCS Champions Team in 2015 and made BVAL All-League First Team in 2016. Heihn played for the Livermore Stampede Champions in 2018 who placed first in the Reno Tournament of Champions during the same year. She was also named an All-State nominee in 2018.

"Kalissa is a great middle infielder, and has a huge upside. We are looking forward to working with her."

JAYDA ALAAN
Position: Utility
Height: 5'2"

Alaan comes from ART U where she started 53 games and appeared in 55 of the team's 58 contests. The utility player led the Urban Knights with a .470 on-base percentage and also ranked among the team's best in batting average (.316) and slugging percentage (.434). Alaan broke ART U's program record with an incredible 30 hit by pitches in 2018 and helped her team achieve a program-best 40-18 record.

In high school, Alaan received Rookie of the Year during her 2014-15 season and made Second Team All-League during the same year. She was chosen as Team MVP the following year. Alaan achieved Second Team All-League and was honored with an All-Academic award during her junior year. As a senior, she was named Second Team All-League for the third time.

"Jayda is a versatile athlete, who was an impact player at ART U. We look for her to make an immediate impact this year."

SOFIA EARLE
Position: Left Handed Pitcher
Height: 5'7"

Earle was a dominant pitcher during her high school years as she achieved 410 career strikeouts and a career ERA of 1.88 as well as was Team MVP two years in a row. She was a part of the 2018 NCS Champions team and was also selected for the Extra Innings Softball Second Team All-American during the same year. She achieved a place on the Chronicle 2018 All-Metro Team and the All-Bay Area Team. In addition, Earle made Second Team All-EBAL and First Team All- EBAL the next year. She was named both an All-State softball nominee and a PGF All-American nominee.

"Sofia is a terrific addition to our pitching staff. She commands the zone well, and is a very savvy pitcher."

ALYSSA VESSEL
Position:
Height: 5'2"

Vessel attended Alsion Montessori in her hometown of Fremont, Calif. for high school and plans to study Allied Health at Saint Mary's.

"We are excited about to bring Alyssa into the program. She will be a versatile athlete for us."

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SB | Gaels Welcome Seven Newcomers

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