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Wagner-Davis signs with the
Larks 
Emily Wagner -Davis, an outfielder from Roseville (Calif.) High School, has signed a letter of intent to continue her academic and athletic careers at Hesston College.
A four-year varsity starter at Roseville, Wagner-Davis hit .340 her senior year, helping her team to a second place finish in the Sierra Foothill League in 2010. Aside from her time with Roseville High, Wagner-Davis was also a key contributor for the Capital City Comets, an elite travel team based out of the Sacramento area.
A gifted student, Wagner-Davis is a Dean’s Scholar recipient at Hesston College. At Roseville High she was named to the National Society of High School Scholars and Principal’s List. She attends Valley Springs Presbyterian Church, Roseville.
“Emily and I met for the first time at a college showcase in late June,” Hesston College softball coach Andrew Sharp said. “I was impressed with her play, as well as her demeanor on and off the field. Emily is simply a positive person and she’ll make a big impact on our roster.
Wagner-Davis is the daughter of Steve and Mary Wagner-Davis, Roseville.
Michelle Miller signs to play for the Larks
Michelle Miller, an infielder/outfielder from Sarasota (Fla.) Christian School, has signed a letter of intent to continue her academic and athletic careers at Hesston College.
Miller was a two-sport athlete at Sarasota Christian School, having also competed in volleyball, and was a member of the 2009 SCS team that won a district championship. A high school teammate of current Hesston shortstop Erika Shrock, Miller adds speed and versatility to the Larks roster.
An honor roll student in high school, Miller is a Dean’s Scholar recipient at Hesston College and will pursue a degree in nursing.
Miller attends Restoration Fellowship Church in Sarasota.
“I’’m thrilled to have Michelle on board for the next two years,” commented Hesston coach Andrew Sharp. “Her time at SCS will translate to a smooth transition to Hesston in a variety of ways. I think Michelle has the chance to help us in a number of ways on the field, and I’m very confident she’ll be a great addition to the campus life here at Hesston.”
Miller is the daughter of Mike and Mabel Miller, Sarasota.
Shrock receives All-Region recognition following stellar season
 Erika Shrock |
Hesston College freshman shortstop Erika Shrock (Sarasota, Fla.) has been named to the First-Team All-Region VI, District E roster following her outstanding season for the Larks. Shrock batted .429 with a team-high eight home runs and 35 RBI, helping Hesston to a remarkable turnaround and a 17-win season.
“I can’t say enough about how much Erika meant to our lineup and our team,” commented first-year coach Andrew Sharp. “She earned the respect and admiration of her peers through her play on the field and her positive attitude off it. Erika brought so much to this year’s team – I’m already looking forward to next year.”
Hesston drops deciding game to Highland; ends season with 17-23 mark
The 2010 Hesston College softball season came to an end on Sunday afternoon, May 2, with a 6-1 loss to Highland (Kan.) Community College in the finale of a three-game series in the first round of Region VI postseason play. Highland won game one in extra innings on Saturday, May 1, by a 5-4 count, but the Larks fought back to take game two by a 4-2 score, forcing Sunday’s deciding game.
 Several news faces contributed to the 17-win season enjoyed by the Hesston softball program in 2010 |
The 17-win season highlights a remarkable turnaround for a young Hesston squad that won just four games last year. With a nearly all-freshman roster and an impact recruiting class in the works, the Larks will look for even more in 2011.
Hesston was led offensively by freshman co-captain Erika Shrock (Sarasota, Fla.), who batted .429 with eight homeruns and 35 runs batted in. Shrock lead the team in nearly every offensive category and played a superb defensive shortstop. Centerfielder Samantha Brouwer (Moundridge, Kan.) and third baseman/pitcher Chandelle Dacosin (Kaneohe, Hawaii) each hit .314 on the year, with Brouwer swiping a team-high 14 bases. Catcher and co-captain Kenzie Jones (Hyde Park, Utah) finished second on the team in doubles and RBI while logging every inning behind the plate.
In the circle, pitcher Kristi Sheets (Lakewood, Colo.) teamed with Dacosin to form a powerful 1-2 punch for the Larks. After just one year, Dacosin and Sheets now rank first and second, respectively, in career strikeouts in Hesston softball history.
“Although we were young, we came in with high expectations,” commented first-year coach Andrew Sharp. “I couldn’t be more proud of our players, and I think it’s safe to say we checked quite a few things off our list in year one. You win at this level with good people, and we have plenty of them in this program. I’m humbled to be a part of this group and I’m already looking forward to seeing what they’re capable of in the future.”
Inman (Kan.) High senior Courtney Reimer inks with Hesston softball
Courtney Reimer, an outfielder from Inman High School, has signed a letter of intent to play softball at Hesston College.
A four-year starter for Inman High, Reimer was named a first-team left fielder in the Heart of America League for each of the past two seasons (2008-09), and is batting .538 through 12 games as a senior.
Reimer was a freshman starter for the 2007 Inman softball team that finished second in the state tournament at the 2A level. The 2008 and 2009 Inman teams finished as co-league champs.
Reimer was a three-sport athlete at Inman who started for the volleyball and basketball teams this year in addition to her time on the softball diamond.
A gifted student as well, Reimer is a Dean’s Scholarship recipient at Hesston and plans to study nursing. She has maintained honor roll status throughout her time at Inman High.
Reimer is a member of Inman Mennonite Church.
“Courtney will have a great transition to Hesston,” said Hesston College coach Andrew Sharp. “She’s a good student and a competitive player. Her experience and skill level will be welcomed on our roster this fall, and I think she’ll make a perfect fit on our campus.”
Reimer is the daughter of Kevin and Michelle Reimer, Inman.
Larks pick up three wins in final two days of regular season
The Hesston College softball team closed out the 2010 regular season in style on Tuesday, April 27, with a come from behind 7-6 win over Highland (Kan.) Community College in game two of a Region VI double header. Tuesday’s games were the fifth and sixth contests in a three-day stretch for a Hesston team that went 3-3 over that span to finish with a 16-21 overall record.
Tuesday’s split assures Hesston of the #11 seed in the first round of the upcoming Region VI playoffs where the Larks will have a rematch with Highland, the #6 seed, on Saturday, May 1.
Larks go 1-3 during weekend homestand
The Hesston College softball team rebounded from a pair of rare home losses (2-0, 7-0) on Saturday versus Labette Community College (Parsons, Kan.) to salvage a split with Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College the following day, winning game one 6-4 before dropping the finale by an 8-2 count.
On Saturday, April 17, game one starter Chandelle Dacosin (Kaneohe, Hawaii) took the hard luck loss, tossing a complete game with just two runs given up on six hits. The Hesston offense had a tough day at the plate, and couldn’t get much going against the visiting Cardinals, mustering a total of seven hits on the day.
Kristi Sheets (Lakewood, Colo.) took the loss in game two, as Labette jumped out to a 4-0 lead after three innings and never looked back. Shortstop Erika Shrock went a combined 4-5 with a double and two stolen bases on the day.
Versus Coffeyville the next day, the Hesston offense came to live and spotted Sheets a 5-0 lead through four innings, highlighted by a sharp single up the middle off the bat of Jodi Stutzman (Middlebury, Ind.) in the third that plated two runners.
Coffeyville plated three in the fifth and another in the sixth to cut the lead to 5-4, but the Larks responded with a Yvonne Gonzales (Ulysses, Kan.) suicide squeeze bunt in the bottom of the sixth that scored Shrock, and Sheets pitched out of trouble in the seventh to secure the win.
In Sunday’s (April 18) final game, Coffeyville opened up a 2-1 game with a four-run fourth and cruised to an 8-2 win. Dacosin took the loss in the circle, while Shrock went 3-4 to finish off an 8-12 weekend.
The Larks will hit the road for six games this week, starting with a trip to Kansas City on Tuesday, April 20, to take on Kansas City Kansas Community College.
Larks take two from Brown Mackie
Following a weekend trip to Kansas City that saw the Hesston College softball team drop four Region VI games, the Larks were in need of a boost, and a date with rival Brown Mackie College (Salina, Kan.) at the friendly confines of the Hesston City Diamond was the right combination, as the Larks got back in the win column with a sweep (2-0, 3-2) to improve their home record to 9-1 this year.
 Sheets set the tone with a complete-game shutout, allowing just a single and no walks. |
Game one starter Kristi Sheets (Lakewood, Colo.) was dominant, tossing a complete-game one-hit shutout to earn the 2-0 win.
Chandelle Dacosin (Kaneohe, Hawaii) went 2-2 with a triple and scored both Hesston runs, while Yvonne Gonzales (Ulysses, Kan.) had two hits and an RBI in three at bats. Jodi Stutzman (Middlebury, Ind.) had a single and a run batted in.
Hesston fell behind early 2-0 in game two, but fought back with single runs in the third, fourth, and fifth innings to take a 3-2 lead. Game two starter Dacosin came back strong after a rough first inning to earn the win, striking out 10 in the complete-game effort.
Hesston, now 12-13 on the year (8-12 in conference), will host Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College on Friday, April 16, at 4 and 6 pm, and Labette Community College (Parsons, Kan.) the following day, starting at 2 and 4 pm.
Larks fight back for key double header sweep
The Hesston College softball team staged two dramatic
rallies to earn a Region VI double header sweep over Dodge City (Kan.)
Community College on Tuesday night, April 6, winning the opener 5-4 in
eight innings, and then coming back for a 6-5 win in the nightcap.
In the opener, Dodge City broke a 1-1 tie with two outs in the top of the seventh with a three run rally, opening up a 4-1 lead heading into the home half of the inning. Following a one-out walk to Kenzie Jones (Hyde Park, Utah), Erika Shrock (Sarasota, Fla.) doubled down the left field line to bring the tying run to the plate. Jodi Stutzman (Middlebury, Ind.) coaxed a walk to load the bases, followed by a Samantha Brouwer (Moundridge, Kan.) infield single to make it a 4-2 game. Yvonne Gonzales’ (Ulysses, Kan.) groundout made it 4-3 Dodge City with runners at the corners and two outs. Two pitches later, the Larks executed a double steal, allowing Stutzman to race home with the tying run.
After a 1-2-3 eight by Hesston starter Kristi Sheets (Lakewood, Colo.), Melissa Denton (Anthony, Kan.) smacked a one-out single to left, followed by a Dacosin single that brought Shrock to the plate. On a 1-1 pitch, Shrock lofted a short fly that fell just inside the left field foul line, bringing home Denton for the win.
 Jones went a combined 5-8 with four runs scored in the double header sweep. |
Dacosin finished 3-5 at the plate, while Shrock and Brouwer each had two hits. Sheets worked another complete-game for the win, scattering nine hits in eight innings with just one walk allowed and four strikeouts.
The Larks seemed to be cruising late in game two, up 4-1 in the seventh with Dacosin in complete control in the circle. Through six frames, the freshman righty had surrendered just three hits and a walk. Dodge City would not go quietly, however, and a four-run rally silenced the Hesston crowd and suddenly put the Larks down a run heading into the bottom of the seventh.
Denton again got the home rally going, this time with a walk to start the inning. Dacosin beat out an infield single that moved pinch-runner Amber Repp (Valley Center, Kan.) into scoring position, followed by a Jones single to left, her fourth hit of the game, to load the bases. Shrock followed with a line drive to left to tie the game at 5-5 and set the stage for the second walk off win in a matter of hours for the Larks.
Still with no one out, Stutzman chopped a grounder to the Dodge City first baseman, who threw home to force Dacosin out at the plate, but a throwing error by the Dodge City catcher while trying to double up Stutzman at first sailed down the right field line, and Jones scored easily to complete the sweep.
Jones finished 4-4 in game two, including a triple and double, while Shrock collected four RBI in the comeback win. Dacosin earned the pitching win, allowing six hits while striking out five.
The wins put Hesston at 10-9 on the year, 6-8 in conference play.
Larks win 3 of 4 in recent homestand; now 8-7 on the year
The Hesston College softball team hosted consecutive double headers March 22-23 (vs. Harper College, Palatine, Ill., Independence [Kan.] Community College), winning both games over Harper, 8-0 and 6-2, before splitting Tuesday’s Region VI double header. Against Independence, Hesston dropped the opener 5-2, but rebounded with a 2-0 win to salvage the split.
On Monday, Hesston starters Chandelle Dacosin (Kaneohe, Hawaii) and Kristi Sheets (Lakewood, Colo.) set the tone by each throwing a complete game in dominating fashion. Dacosin allowed just three hits with fanning eight in a five-inning run-rule game, while Sheets went seven frames, striking out seven with no earned runs to pick up the win.
Freshman shortstop Erika Shrock (Sarasota, Fla.) went a combined 4-6 with five runs scored, including her fourth home run of the year in the sweep. Dacosin, Samantha Brouwer (Moundridge, Kan.), and Jodi Stutzman (Middlebury, Ind.) each collected a pair of hits in the double header.
On a beautiful evening for softball, the Larks started slowly versus Independence, committing three early errors and fell behind 4-0 after two innings. Hesston showed some resiliency and played well the rest of the way, but couldn’t come back and dropped a 5-2 opener. Dacosin went the distance in the circle, allowing just three earned runs with five strikeouts in the loss.
In game two, the Larks were in need of a big effort from Sheets, and the freshman delivered with perhaps her best effort of the season, a complete-game two-hit shutout to push Hesston back over the .500 mark. Sheets struck out two and didn’t walk a batter to pick up her fifth win of the year. Lauren Franz (Hesston, Kan.) enjoyed a three-hit game at the plate, while Shrock went 3-4, including a mammoth solo home run in the Larks’ fifth to set the final score.
Wood River (Hailey, Idaho) senior Alex Lindbloom signs to play Softball
Alex Lindbloom, a catcher/infielder from Wood River High School, Hailey, Idaho, has signed a letter of intent to play softball at Hesston College.
This spring will be Lindbloom’s
fourth season of varsity softball at Wood River High. Following her junior
year in which she batted .438 with 35 runs scored and 39 batted in, Lindbloom
was named an all-district catcher and will serve as a captain for the
2010 season.
Lindbloom has been a key part of Wood
River teams that won district championships the past two seasons. In
2009, Wood River won the regional title and finished fourth at state.
A two-sport athlete, Lindbloom played
four years of varsity basketball as well, serving as a captain during
her senior year.
A Dean’s Scholarship recipient at
Hesston College, Lindbloom has been on the honor roll throughout her
time at Wood River High.
“Alex is just the type of player we look for at Hesston,” said coach Andrew Sharp. “She’s
versatile, competitive and possesses a great attitude and leadership
skills. Her skill set will give us several options for this fall, and
I anticipate her making an immediate impact for us.”
Lindbloom is the daughter of Jeannie and
Todd Tupper, Hailey.
Hesston College softball adds pitching depth for 2010 class
Hesston softball head coach Andrew Sharp has announced Morgan “Mo” Atkinson, a pitcher/first baseman from Magnolia, Texas, as the newest member of the Larks program.
 Atkinson |
“Mo will be a great complement to the Hesston program,” said Lady Warriors head coach Jay Hartnett. “She’s a great teammate and a hard worker, and I know she’ll be a great fit for the campus.”
Atkinson will immediately compete for innings in the circle for the Larks this fall, and will add a quality right-handed bat to the order as well. “We’re a better team with Mo on board,” added Sharp. “She visited in November and impressed our staff, I think she’ll be right at home on our campus, and will give our pitching staff some depth and versatility. Mo has been around competitive ball for a long time in the Houston area, and that experience will translate well in our conference. I’m excited to get her on campus and see what she’s capable of.”
Atkinson is the daughter of Gayle Atkinson, Magnolia.
Shrock named Player of the Week for Region VI
Hesston College freshman shortstop Erika Shrock (Sarasota, Fla.) has been named Region VI Division II Player of the Week for her recent efforts on the softball field. During back-to-back double headers on March 2 and 3, Shrock batted a combined 6-14 with six RBI and three extra base hits.
In the second game against Region VI rival Hutchinson (Kan.) Community College on Tuesday, March 2, Shrock blasted a pair of home runs, knocking in all four runs in a key early season 4-2 Hesston win.
“Erika has been huge for us this year,” said coach Andrew Sharp. “She’s playing a great defensive shortstop and providing a big bat in the heart of the order.”
The Larks are 5-4 through nine games, with a 3-3 conference record.
Larks split at Sterling; now 5-4 as spring break nears
In the final action before spring break, the Hesston College softball team split a double header with Sterling (Kan.) College JV on Wednesday night (March 3), dropping the opener 3-0 before winning the nightcap by a 5-2 score.
The Larks’ offense struggled to get anything going in game one as the loss evened their record at 4-4. Starter Kristi Sheets (Lakewood, Colo.) allowed just four hits in a complete game effort, while Erika Shrock (Sarasota, Fla.) went 2-3 with a pair of singles.
In game two, The Larks found themselves trailing 1-0 in the bottom of the fourth when a key defensive play by centerfielder Samantha Brouwer (Moundridge, Kan.) sparked a rally. With runners on first and second and one out, Brouwer raced to her left and made a spectacular diving catch on a fly ball to right-center field, then fired to second base to record another out as the Sterling runner had strayed too far off the bag.
Leading off the next inning, Brouwer laced a single to center, and consecutive doubles by Chandelle Dacosin (Kaneohe, Hawaii) and Shrock gave Hesston a 2-1 lead. The Larks would tack on two more runs that inning, and added a run in the seventh on an RBI double by Lauren Franz (Hesston, Kan.) to set the final score.
Dacosin worked a complete game to earn her second win in as many days for Hesston, now 5-4 on the season.
Following spring break, the Larks will head to Iola, Kansas, for a Region VI double header against Allen County Community College, on Saturday, March 20.
Shrock’s big day gives Larks double header split
The Hesston College softball team traveled to Hutchinson, Kansas, on Tuesday, March 02, for a Region VI double-header versus Hutchinson Community College. The Larks lost the first game, 4-2, but came back for a 4-2 win in game two on the strength of two home runs by freshman shortstop Erika Shrock (Sarasota, Fla.).
 Shrock blasted a pair of home runs in a 4-2 Hesston win in game two. |
Starter Kristi Sheets (Lakewood, Colo.) contributed another solid effort in the circle for the Larks, tossing a complete game four-hitter with just two earned runs allowed.
The Larks struck first in game two, as Shrock smacked a deep first-inning homer to left for an early 1-0 lead. Then, with two outs in the third and runners on second and third, Shrock lined a 1-0 pitch over the left-center field wall for a 4-0 Hesston lead.
Game two starter Chandelle Dacosin (Kaneohe, Hawaii) made the early lead hold up, as she pitched shutout ball through five innings and ended with a complete game victory, her first collegiate win. Dacosin struck out seven and didn’t walk a batter to help the Larks to the win.
Hesston, now 4-3 on the year (3-3 in conference), will hit the road again on Wednesday, March 3, for a non-conference double header against Sterling (Kan.) College. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m.
Extra-inning thriller gives Hesston home-opener sweep
The Hesston College softball team picked up a pair of wins on Saturday afternoon (Jan. 27), beating Cloud County Community College (Concordia, Kan.) 3-1 in game one, then winning the nightcap by a 6-5 score on the strength of an eighth inning walk-off single.
In the opener, Hesston starter Kristi Sheets (Lakewood, Colo.) was dominant, allowing a run on four hits while striking out three to pick up the complete-game win. Sheets didn’t allow a hit until a leadoff single in the fifth.
After falling behind 1-0, Hesston tied the score in the sixth on a solo home run to left by freshman shortstop Erika Shrock (Sarasota, Fla.), and then took the lead on RBI’s by Lauren Franz (Hesston, Kan.) and Alyssa Steiner (Kidron, Ohio). Sheets slammed the door shut with a 1-2-3 seventh to end game one.
In game two, RBI’s by Shrock and Kenzie Jones (Hyde Park, Utah) gave the Larks an early 2-0 lead, which was extended to 3-0 in the Hesston third inning when Jones singled home pitcher Chandelle Dacosin (Kaneohe, Hawaii).
In the circle, Dacosin was in complete command, retiring the first 11 Cloud County batters before a walk and three straight two-out hits tied the score at 3-3 after four frames. The freshman righty finished out the fifth before Sheets was called on to finish things out. Each team scored a pair of runs to tie the score at 5-5, and that’s where it stayed until the bottom of the eighth.
With no one on base, Brittani Walters (Oxford, Kan.) coaxed a two-out walk, and moved to second on a Dacosin single. Samantha Brouwer (Moundridge, Kan.) then placed a perfect bunt down the third base line to bring Shrock to the plate, who lined a 1-0 pitch into left field for the dramatic 6-5 win.
Dacosin and Shrock had three hits apiece in game two, while Sheets earned her second win of the day with three innings of relief.
“I was thrilled with our effort,” said Hesston head coach Andrew Sharp. “We’ve jumped out of the gate with great defense and pitching so far this season; today was a big confidence booster for our group.”
The double header sweep moves Hesston to 3-2 on the year, 2-2 in conference play. Up next, a key Region VI matchup against Hutchinson (Kan.) Community College on Tuesday, March 2nd, beginning at 2 p.m.
Late homer gives Cowley 1-0 win, sweep over Hesston
After falling 8-1 in the first game of a double header versus Cowley College (Arkansas City, Kan.), the Hesston College softball team fought to a scoreless tie late in game two before a late solo home run gave the Tigers the win.
Freshman right-hander Chandelle Dacosin (Kaneohe, Hawaii) threw a gem in game two, allowing just four hits in a complete-game effort. Offensively, Dacosin had a pair of singles in three trips to the plate for the Larks.
Ranked fifth in the pre-season National Junior College Athletic Association Division II poll, Cowley jumped out a 4-1 lead after the first inning in the opener, and added a three-run home run late to put the game out of reach. Hesston started Kristi Sheets (Lakewood, Colo.) held the Tigers at bay for the most part, surrendering four earned runs through six innings while striking out six.
Freshman Samantha Brouwer (Moundridge, Kan.) enjoyed a three-for-three day in game one off Cowley starter and University of Kansas signee Ashley Spencer, including an RBI single in the first inning to give Hesston a brief 1-0 lead.
Now 1-2 on the year, Hesston will look to bounce back with a home double-header versus Cloud County Community College (Concordia, Kan.) on Saturday, February 27, beginning at 1 p.m.
Sheets, Franz push Hesston past Tabor in softball opener
Freshman Kristi Sheets (Lakewood, Colo.) worked six innings in her college debut, allowing five hits and two runs while striking out five to propel the Hesston College softball team to a 6-2 road win over Tabor College JV (Hillsboro, Kan.) in the season opener for the Larks. Lauren Franz (Hesston, Kan.) had three singles on the day, knocking in one run and scoring another to lead the Hesston offense.
 Sheets scattered 5 hits over 6 innings to earn the win in her collegiate debut. |
Kenzie Jones (Hyde Park, Utah) ended the day with two hits, including a double and a run scored, while fellow freshman Erika Shrock (Sarasota, Fla.) went one-for-three with a double, one run scored and one batted in. Sophomore Amber Repp (Valley Center, Kan.) walked twice and scored a pair of runs. As a team, the Larks played error-free softball on defense while swiping six bases in seven attempts on offense.
“I was pleased how we came out and battled back to get a win,” said Hesston coach Andrew Sharp. “It’s a good start to the year; Kristi was around the plate all day and our defense played great behind her. It feels good to get the first one in the books.”
Hesston is scheduled for a road double-header against Sterling College JV (Sterling, Kan.) on Monday, February 22, beginning at 2 p.m.
Larks ready to take the field for the 2010 campaign
Plenty of new faces make up the Hesston College
softball roster as the start of the 2010 season nears. First-year head
coach Andrew Sharp will rely on ten freshmen and one sophomore as the
Larks look forward to a challenging 37-game schedule.
Newcomers include catchers Kenzie Jones (Hyde Park, Utah) and Lauren Franz (Hesston, Kan.), and infielders Chandelle Dacosin (Kaneohe, Hawaii), Erika Shrock (Sarasota, Fla.), Alyssa Steiner (Kidron, Ohio), Jodi Stutzman (Middlebury, Ind.), and Brittani Walters (Oxford, Kan.).
Freshmen Melissa Denton (Anthony, Kan.) and Samantha Brouwer (Moundridge, Kan.), along with returner Amber Repp (Valley Center, Kan.), will be counted on in the outfield for the Larks.
Freshman Kristi Sheets (Lakewood, Colo.), along with Dacosin, will anchor the pitching staff.
Katie Chaffinch ('04 Hesston grad) and former Hesston softball coach Forrest Miller ('85 HC grad) round out this year’s coaching staff. Jones and Shrock will serve as co-captains.
"I’m excited to get the season underway," said Sharp, "We’ve been going against each other for long enough, and I think we’re all anxious to start the season. We’re a young group, but we have enough talent in a few key areas to win plenty of ballgames this year."
The majority of the schedule is comprised of NJCAA Region VI contests, including eight games against nationally ranked opponents. The Larks play double-headers versus Cowley College (Arkansas City, Kan.), Johnson County Community College (Overland Park, Kan.), Pratt Community College (Pratt, Kan.), and Highland Community College (Highland, Kan.), ranked 5th, 8th, 15th, and 19th in NJCAA, Division II pre-season polls.
"There aren’t many places to hide in our region, which is what you want," added Sharp. "Playing great competition will make us better, and our girls are excited about the challenge."
The Larks get started with an away single against Tabor College JV (Hillsboro,
Kan.) on Thursday, February 18.
Sharp announces first two softball signings for 2010 recruiting class
Hesston College softball coach Andrew Sharp has announced the first two signings of the 2010 recruiting class. The newest additions include a power-hitting outfielder/first-baseman from Pennsylvania and a hard-throwing, right-handed pitcher from Oregon.
Taylor Hoover, a talented two-sport athlete from Christopher Dock High School (Lansdale, Pa.), will add depth to the Hesston outfield while providing a solid bat to the Lark lineup. Hoover has been a key member of the Christopher Dock softball team, helping the Pioneers to a second-place finish in the Bicentennial Athletic League in 2008 and 2009. The 2009 team finished with a school-record 18 wins.
 Taylor Hoover |
 Cynde Postma |
Aside from athletics, Hoover is an active member of Plains Mennonite Church, where she serves on the fellowship committee and youth-mentor programs.
“Taylor will be a four-year varsity starter for us,” explained Christopher Dock coach Wayne Benner. “She has always been a hard-working team player. Taylor has a strong arm in the outfield and will bring power and a good on-base percentage to the Hesston lineup.”
“Taylor is a special recruit for me in many ways,” Sharp said. “She was the first member of this class to whom we offered a roster spot, and I’ve known her for several years. Taylor is a competitor and will push for playing time immediately. I’m excited to see what she’s capable of.”
Hoover is the daughter of Wendell and Trish Hoover, Souderton, Pa.
Meanwhile, 3,000 miles to the west, Cynde Postma from Dallas (Ore.) High School will be counted on to be a significant contributor to the Hesston pitching staff for the next two seasons.
Postma was voted team MVP following her freshman year at Dallas High, and followed that up with consecutive appearances on the 5A Mid-Willamette Conference second team during her sophomore and junior seasons.
In 2009, Postma helped Dallas High to a playoff berth, the first in eight years.
Postma is a member of the Washington Illusion, an 18-under gold travel-ball team out of Kelso, Wash.
A multi-sport athlete, Postma has also participated in volleyball, basketball and the swim team during her time at Dallas High.
A dean’s scholar recipient at Hesston College, Postma is a Scholar Athlete and Senior Class Officer at Dallas High, as well as a National Honor Society member.
“Cynde is an outstanding pitcher,” said Ron Sayer, Postma’s first pitching coach who has been a mentor and part of her softball career for nearly 10 years. “Her work ethic and dedication to softball have clearly paid off. She is a tough competitor and an excellent teammate. Cynde has all the tools to excel at the next level.”
“Signing a quality pitcher early in the recruiting process was a top priority for our staff this off-season,” added Sharp. “After her official campus visit, we felt it was a perfect fit and she immediately went to the top of our list. I’m thrilled to have her in the program. Athletically, she will help us tremendously, and off the field, she will be an asset to our campus community.”
Postma is the daughter of Donna Postma, Dallas, Oregon.