MURFREESBORO - Chowan University's Head Softball Coach, Mandi Balduf, announced today the signing of seven student-athletes for the 2009-2010 season. Three of the seven players are native to North Carolina while four hail from Virginia.

Jessica Farmer signed a National Letter of Intent to join the Hawks softball team in the fall. Farmer is a native of Hope Mills, North Carolina and attended Gray's Creek High School. The left-handed pitcher was an integral part of the Gray's Creek team as well as the Carolina Diamonds Travel team. "Jessica is a hard throwing left handed pitcher that will bring an arsenal of pitches to the mound next season. Her best asset is being able to mix up her speeds and keep batters off balance. I am looking forward to having her work ethic and coachable attitude around for the next four years," said Balduf.

Ashley Huffman will come in as a catcher and third baseman. She is a recent graduate of Salem High School in Virginia Beach. She has been a member of the Salem High School squad as well as played extensively with the Orion Hunter Travel Team. "Ashley is a sound catcher and infielder with an aggressive style of play. At the plate, she brings a lot of power and will be able to produce runs for us," said Balduf. "Her travel ball experience will help her make a smooth transition to college level softball."

Joining Huffman from Virginia Beach and the Orion Hunter squad is Fahren Munro. Munro is a recent graduate of Tallwood High School and will come in as a utility type player. "She could be the fastest player I have seen. Her speed is an assett offensively as well as in the field. She will make an immediate impact for us next season," said Balduf. 

Shelby Pendleton hails from Suffolk, Virginia and attended Lakeland High School. She is another versatile player who can play shortstop and the outfield. "She has solid footwork and arm strength and can the great plays. She is a contact hitter who isn't afraid to challenge pitchers and can make a difference in a game on any pitch," stated Balduf on Pendleton's talent. 

Rounding out the Virginia signees is pitcher Megan Wade. Wade is a recent graduate of Essex High School and played travel softball with Sports Plus under well-known coach Milton Simmons. The versatile player can also play infield and is a solid batter. "She will adjust to the college game easily," Balduf stated. "Along with being a solid pitcher and infielder, she is a great hitter. She can hit for power as well as execute the situational hitting."

Lacey Wildeboer comes in next season as a pitcher and infielder from Laney High School in Wilmington, North Carolina. She played extensively with the NC Challengers Travel Team as well. "She will provide a lot of options for the program next season. She has experience on the mound and in the field and is a patient hitter," said Balduf. 

Christie Wright joins the team as a pitcher and outfielder from Garner, North Carolina and Garner High School. She played on the Carolina Diamonds Travel Team and is expected to make an immeidate impact on the mound for Chowan. "She brings a high level of passion and dedication to the game and is one of the top pitching prospects we hav added to the program," Balduf stated.