University of Minnesota Athletics
GOPHER SOFTBALL ANNOUNCES RECRUITING CLASS
12/14/2001 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Alston is a catcher from Canyon Lake, Calif. She led her Linfield High School team to a league title in 2001 and earned All-CIF honors after compiling a .450 batting average. Alston is a member of the ASA All- Southern California Under-18 Team.
"Val is a talented catcher who we expect to make an impact in her first year as a Gopher," said Bernstein. "She is hardworking, aggressive and has tremendous athletic ability. Her left-handed stick will be a welcomed addition to our offense for the 2003 season."
Erickson, from Hermantown, Minn., will join the Gopher outfield corps in 2003. A senior at Hermantown High School, Erickson was a first team all-state and all-conference selection a year ago. She owns a .375 career batting average.
"Lindsey is a speedy left-handed outfielder who has the potential to be one of the Gophers' best," said Bernstein. "She is a hard worker and somebody that will push herself to the next level. Lindsey is versatile, athletic, and strong. She will make an impact during her collegiate softball career."
Murnane, a Farmington, Minn., native, adds another talented infielder to the Minnesota roster. A senior at Farmington High School, Marnane is an all-conference short stop with a .420 batting average.
"Melissa is a tremendous shortstop with a great deal of range and a cannon for an arm," said Standering. "She has been around the game her entire life and will excel at the collegiate level. Melissa is a strong right-handed batter who can hit the ball out of the ballpark and drive the ball gap to gap. She will be exciting to watch."
The Golden Gophers open their 2002 season on Feb. 7-10, when they host the Metrodome Softball Classic.
