Three Signees Finalize Softball's Recruiting Class

Radford, Va. --Head softball coach Amy Kvilhaug has announced the addition of three high school seniors. Ashley Carlson (Chesapeake, Va./Great Bridge HS), along with teammates Allison Carter (Forest, Va./Jefferson Forest HS) and Cassie Rhodes (Goode, Va./Jefferson Forest HS) have signed National Letters-of-Intent and will join the Highlanders for the upcoming 2004-05 academic year.

“Ashley, Allison and Cassie round out what I believe to be a very strong 2004 recruiting class. All three student-athletes are wonderful people who have played for winning programs their entire lives. They are certainly going to help instill a winning tradition at RU,” states Kvilhaug.

Carlson, an outfielder, was named to first team all-region, all-state and all-tidewater in 2003. She is a two-time first team all-district and earned second team all-regional honors as a sophomore.

“Ashley Carlson will be looked upon to contribute immediately in the outfield next year and her speed is going to help our line-up tremendously,” said Kvilhaug.

Carter, a pitcher, is currently 9-3 with a 0.45 ERA and 119 strikeouts. In 2003, she helped Jefferson Forest to a state semifinal appearance, going 18-6 with a 0.57 ERA, 183 strikeouts and 13 shutouts. The two-time All-Seminole District and All-Area first teamer also earned first team All-Timesland, all-region and honorable mention all-state honors as a junior.

“Allison Carter will be a great addition to our pitching staff. I will be looking for her to contribute to many of our wins next year because of the confident poise she always shows on the mound.

Rhodes, also a member of the 2003 AA state semifinalist Jefferson Forest Cavaliers, is a three-time first team All-Seminole District honoree. In 2002, she was named Seminole District Player of the Year and a second team all-state member. This season, she is batting .574 with four doubles, three triples and 17 RBI. During her junior campaign, the shortstop/outfielder batted .333 with a home run and 17 RBI earning her honorable mention all-state honors.

“Cassie also brings speed to the table and her versatility, playing both middle infield and in the outfield, will be an asset to our program.”

”All three players have the great fighting attitude of never-die/always win as well as a work ethic that is second to none. They will be strong additions to our program and we are excited to begin a new year with them.”

Carlson, Carter and Rhodes finalize Kvilhaug’s recruiting class. They join Ashley Taylor (Ringgold, Va./Dan River), a pitcher/infielder, who signed during the fall and Shelby Rector (Virginia Beach, Va./Princess Anne) who signed in April.