University of Minnesota Athletics
Golden Gopher Softball Announces Signees
11/13/2009 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Minneapolis - University of Minnesota softball co-head coaches Lisa Bernstein and Julie Standering are pleased to announce the signing of two standout athletes for the 2011 season.
Bree Blanchette and Sara Moulton have each signed National Letters of Intent to compete for the Golden Gophers, beginning next fall. Blanchette and Moulton each hail from Eagan, Minn. and Eagan High School, and they are fresh off a State Consolation Championship and fifth place finish at the Minnesota AAA playoffs.
"We are so excited to have Sara join our program," Minnesota co-head coach Lisa Bernstein said. "She is a very talented pitcher and someone who we expect great things from. She is mentally tough, focused on excellence and a true champion. We can't wait to see her take the field in maroon and gold next year."
Co-head coach Julie Standering added, "Sara is a fierce competitor and looks to take control of every game. She wants to dominate as a pitcher and I believe she will find a way to excel at this level. Sara is an all around athlete who will also hit and play on defense when needed. I can't wait for her to put on the Gopher uniform and help lead us to a Big Ten Championship".
When speaking of Blanchette, Bernstein continued, "Bree is an outstanding athlete with great softball instincts. She understands the game, is competitive and committed to excellence. She will make an immediate impact on our program and we are excited for her to join our team."
"Bree is a perfect fit for the Gophers," Standering added. "She has speed, strength, and is a clutch performer. She lives to compete on the field and will be an immediate impact player for us."
As they capped off their season with a state consolation championship last year, Moulton pitched every inning of their two state tournament wins, earning each decision. Blanchette, meanwhile, batted leadoff in each game coming up with key hits through out the tournament.
As sophomores in 2008, the two led Eagan all the way to a state title with Moulton throwing every inning of the state tournament. In the semifinals, she threw a 10-inning complete game for the win, while Blanchette scored in the winning run in the 10th inning.
"It's always been my dream to play softball in the Big Ten Conference," Moulton said. "I'm very honored to be a Gopher and I am looking forward to wearing maroon and gold next season."
"I am very honored to be playing softball for the Gophers," Blanchette said. "I've lived in Minnesota all my life and have followed Gopher athletics for many years. I can't wait to contribute to the success of the softball team next year."
