Dec. 3, 2008

BOCA RATON, FL - Head softball coach Joan Joyce has announced the signing of four athletes to National Letters of Intent.

The Owls went 35-26 in 2008 and will return six everyday starters for the 2009 season.

"Our focus was on left handed hitters and players who can help us in the outfield and we feel like we were able to address both those areas," said Coach Joyce.

Kirstin Austin hit .586 last season at Tampa-King High School and is the school's leader in career stolen bases, including stealing 24 on 28 attempts as a junior.

"Kirstin is a left handed hitter, which is something we've been concentrating on getting," said Joyce.

Taylor Fawbush recorded a 0.72 ERA and two no-hitters as a junior pitcher at Orlando's West Orange High School.

"Taylor has a lot of athletic ability and can play the outfield in addition to pitching. As a pitcher, we will work on her control and pitch speed," said Joyce.

Diandra Fernandez is an infielder who was named 1st Team All-Dade County by the Miami Herald while hitting .327 and scoring 31 runs as a junior at Florida Christian School in Miami.

"(Diandra) is someone who we feel we will be able to work into the infield as a freshman and then get more playing time as she matures," said Joyce.

Rounding out the class is Brittany Licari, a transfer from Daytona State College (formerly Daytona Beach Community College). Licari was a travel ball teammate of Amber Barton and was named to the Florida Community College Athletic Association All-Conference team with a .283 batting average.

"Brittany is someone who can come in and give us depth in the outfield," said Coach Joyce.