PROVO -- In the wake of BYU softball's best season in program history, the Cougars received national letters of intent from six competitive high school recruits.
Krista Hicks, an infielder from Mesa, Arizona, outfielders Tiffany Messerschmidt, from Thousand Oaks, Calif. and Jessica Dugas from Belle Flower, Calif., utility players Coreen Lopez out of Riverside, Calif. and Delaney Willard from Camarillo, Calif., and catcher Cydney Allen from Taylorsville, Utah, all signed LOI during November's early signing period.
"This is an exceptional recruiting class from top to bottom," BYU softball head coach Gordon Eakin said. "It is one of the strongest classes we have had for our program and I think it is one of the best classes in the country."
Hicks, who played at Dobson High School, has a strong arm with great defensive skills in the infield. Her powerful hitting helped her to the Arizona Republic 5A All-State second team.
"We expect her to help keep our offense strong," Eakin said. "She is an aggressive and determined player, and I think her competitiveness will continue to elevate BYU softball."
Thousand Oaks High School outfielder Messerschmidt has a lot of speed that will help BYU on the base paths. During her junior year she totaled 24 stolen bases. The lefty can bunt, slap and drive the ball into the gaps, which will prove to essential to BYU. Messerschmidt, as well as fellow signees Willard and Lopez, were all named to the CalHiSports.com All-State Underclass first team during the 2006-2007 season.
"She has game changing speed," Eakin said. "One mistake or hesitation by the defense and she will beat you. Her aggression on the base paths will give us a weapon that is essential to play softball at the highest level."
Fellow outfielder Dugas, from Mayfair High School, also brings speed to the team as well as a strong arm and range in the outfield. She tallied six stolen bases and maintained a .567 batting average for her club team. She was named to the Suburban League All-League first team.
"Dugas is a weapon both offensively and defensively," Eakin said. "She is one of the fastest players in the country coming out of the 2008 class."
Lopez, who plays for Ramona High School, brings a lot of versatility to BYU. Although Eakin has penciled Lopez to replace four-year starter Daniela Snow at first base, she can play multiple positions including pitcher. During 2007 she maintained 1.06 ERA with 213 strikeouts and a 24-5 record.
"She is an aggressive and powerful hitter," Eakin said.
Willard, who played under Camarillo High School coach and father Jack Willard, can play any position in the infield or outfield. During her junior year, when she maintained a .505 batting average and led the Ventura County area with nine homeruns, she was named Pacific View League softball Player of the Year.
"She has a lot of talent but what sets her apart is her knowledge of the game," Eakin said. "I expect big things from Willard both offensively and defensively and in the area of leadership."
Allen, the only in-state signee, was named the 2007 Utah state 5A MVP when she led Taylorsville High School to a 2007 5A state championship her junior year. With 12 homeruns during the season, she broke the state single season homerun record and maintained a .532 batting average.
"At 6'1" she stands with a lot of power in the batters box and has a strong arm behind the plate," Eakin said.
The Cougars open their 2008 season on Feb. 7 when they host the Red Desert Classic in St. George, Utah.