Oakland, CA - Holy Names University's Head Softball Coach, Melanie Gregor, released the recruiting class for the 2010 season today. Having just come off a 2009 California Pacific Conference Championship and an NAIA National tournament appearance, Coach Gregor was hopeful in recruiting some of the best up and coming softball players in California. Included in that list are 3 junior transfers and 8 freshman, all of which are California natives. Coach Gregor welcomes the following, who join the HNU Hawks for competition in the 2010 season:

Markie' Benavidez-Talbott comes to HNU via Cosumnes River College as a JC standout pitcher. Hailing from Eldorado Hills, Benavidez-Talbott ranked among the top among all California JC pitchers in strikeouts, saves, wins, appearances and innings pitched.  Additionally, Benavidez-Talbott was 2008-09 MVP at CRC, Big 8 All-Conference 1st team pitcher, All-Nor Cal and the Steve Krisiak athletic scholarship award recipient.

Amanda Carnero travels north from Menifee and Vista Murrieta HS to join the Hawks.  She brings a solid 3.0 GPA to HNU.  As 1st baseman and outfielder Carnero helped Vista Murrieta to the CIF finals in the Division 2 playoffs.
  
Junior transfer and San Diego resident, Hannah Chartier, attended San Diego Mesa College.   Chartier is a threat from both sides of the plate, usually in the top of the line-up with Mesa.  Chartier was team captain and starting centerfielder, and will contribute to an open outfield after all 3 starting 2009 HNU outfielders graduated. 

Folsom local Laurel Clough was named All-Delta River 2nd team while at Folsom HS and will have corner/infield duties as a newcomer to the HNU squad. Clough managed a 3.05 GPA while balancing softball and school.

Jordynn Elwood arrives from Lodi HS as a  Team Captain, 3-time honor roll designate, 4 year varsity starter, and 2-time San Joaquin Athletic Association 1st  Team All-League. Elwood helped guide Lodi HS to a 2009 SJAA Section Playoffs 4th place finish.

Southern California native Christine Gomez leaves Laguna Hills and Laguna Hills HS after earning a 3.7 GPA, 4-time Honor Roll recognition, 1st Team All-Pacific Coast league, 1st Team All-CIF Southern Section, and Most Valuable Defensive Player for Laguna Hills HS.

Another So Cal resident, Alexis Moctezuma, hails from Montebello, CA and Hesperia HS.  Moctezuma brings experience from a CIF Division 5 AA championship team, as well as being named 1st Team All-League.

Susan Robertson, of Oakley's Freedom HS, arrives with a North Coast Section championship, as well as a NCS 2nd place finish along with her team's Coaches Award.  Robertson's duties catching will be appreciated and she also adds a 3.3 GPA to the team.

Beer Creek HS graduate Allison Snider, of Stockton, offers the Hawks her 4-time Honor Roll honors, and National Honor Roll recognition, as well as acknowledgment as an All-County All-Star Team member, and recipient of the All-Conference Utility award while a 4-year varsity starter.

Taryn Thomas, most recently from James Logan HS in Union City, adds her skills as a 3-year, two sport letter winner in softball and volleyball, Athlete of the Week, East Bay Prep Athlete of the week, and team captain with All-League 1st Team honors.

Bethany University transfer MelanieVerrico joins the HNU squad from Brentwood with top of the lineup experience from the left side, and a Cal Pac Conference Honorable Mention for the 2009 season.

Coach Gregor welcomes all of the Holy Names recruits to another very competitive season!