Rutgers Softball Inks Four Standouts
Nov 16 | Softball
PISCATAWAY, N.J. (Nov. 16, 2010) – The Rutgers softball team signed four student-athletes to National Letters of Intent for the 2012 season, head coach Jay Nelson announced Monday. The RU class of 2015 includes products from New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and California.
“This is an outstanding class of student-athletes,” said Nelson. “They are a very special group of softball players that could play any sport they set their minds to playing. They are also great people with the desire and ability to succeed both on the field and in the classroom.”
An Ivyland, Pa. native Ashley Alden was a four-year starter for William Tennent High School in Warminster, Pa. The 2010 Suburban I League Player of the Year, Alden earned Suburban I All-League First Team Honors at first base in 2010. A three-year captain and two-time team MVP, the first baseman – who can also play third in the collegiate ranks – notched third team all-league honors in 2009 at first and as a pitcher. Alden batted at a .514 clip as a junior and was twice named to the SOL/BAL Carpenters Cup team.
Alden played club ball for Newtown Rock Gold Softball last season after five years with the Warrington Blue Thunder. She also excels at basketball, earning Suburban I Second Team honors twice and honorable mention as a freshman.
“Ashley Alden was the last athlete to commit when she decided to attend Rutgers late this summer,” said Nelson. “I have seen her play and excel at a multitude of positions including all infield positions. At 6-feet tall, she is an excellent target at first base and her athleticism affords us the luxury of moving her to fill any needs we might have in the infield.”
Jaclyn Bates hails from Lincroft, N.J. where she was a three-year letterwinner for Middletown High School South. The second baseman, who can also play in the outfield, averaged .406 with 68 RBI, 23 doubles and 26 stolen bases over her three-year career for the Eagles. In 2010, MHSS finished 30-3 and was crowned NJ State Group III Champions for the second-consecutive year. The Eagles also claimed three Central Jersey Group III and North titles.
For her efforts, Bates was named to the All-State First Team in 2010. The local product was also a two-time First Team All-Shore Conference, All-Class A North, All-Group III and All-Monmouth County selection.
On the club circuit, Bates currently plays for the Jaxx Gold, averaging .494 over the summer with 29 stolen bases and seven home runs. She previously played for Jaxx Blue (2007-08) and Jersey Intensity (2005-07).
“Jackie Bates originally caught our eye with her ability to hit the long ball,” commented Nelson. “As we continued to watch, she continued to impress - not only with home runs, but with her ability to hit for average and play great defense both at second base and in the outfield.”
A Wilmington, Del. product, Chandler Howard started the past three seasons at Concord High School. The centerfielder is a three-time All-State recipient, leading the Raiders in batting average, on-base percentage and stolen bases. A three-year first team all-conference honoree, Howard led her team to the state championship tournament as a freshman. In 2010, she was selected to represent Delaware in the Carpenters Cup.
Howard plays her club ball with the NJ Breakers Gold squad, helping the team to two undefeated Gold National Qualifiers. The team played in the 2009 and 2010 Gold National Championships and the 2010 ESPNRise Premier National Championships with Howard as the team captain.
“Chandler Howard has been playing at the top level of softball for the last three years,” Nelson said. “Her determination is the quality that attracted our attention. Her will to succeed is evident in everything she does. She is a top-of-the-order hitter as she hits for average, has gap power and has the ability to steal a base.”
Alyssa Landrith arrives ‘On the Banks’ from Vacaville, Calif. where she attended Vacaville High School. A 5-11 pitcher, Landrith has started three years in the circle for the Bulldogs, boasting a .85 ERA and .375 batting average as a junior en route to All-League MEL Pitcher of the Year and a first place finish in the league.
As a sophomore, Landrith led her team to a birth in the Sections, batting .407 with a 1.02 ERA and earning an All-League MEL Player selection. A three-year Academic Athlete Award recipient, Landrith is also a member of the National Honor Roll.
The hurler has played club ball with the California Grapettes, NW Bullets Softball, Sorcerers Softball and California Tornadoes. Landrith and the Sorcerers finished 33rdat the prestigious Gold Nationals in Oklahoma. Landrith was an On Deck Softball Elite Futures Camp Invitee from 2008-10.
“Alyssa Landrith is a left-handed power hitter who pitches and plays first base,” said Nelson. “Alyssa is an experienced pitcher who comes to us from Vacaville High School in Northern California. She was their go-to pitcher and we are looking to Alyssa to add some pop to our lineup while bolstering our pitching staff.”
