LEBANON — McKendree University softball coach Evelyn Bean has announced six recruits that have committed to McKendree during the fall early signing period.
Hanna Branch of Kirkwood High School (Mo.), Jamie Doggendorf of Northwest High School (Mo.), Alyse Janosko of Prescott High School (Ariz.), Holly Magre of Saint Pius X High School (Mo.), Rebecca Ratajczyk of Sesser-Valier High School (Ill.), and Danielle Schoenbacher of Pinckneyville Community High School will all join the softball program in 2014.
Branch was a four-year starter for the Pioneers, hitting .461 with 13 doubles, three triples, and two home runs as a senior this fall. She was a four-time All-Conference and two-time All-District honoree while primarily playing third base and outfield. She also plays club softball for the St. Louis Angels and St. Louis Esprit Gold.
"Hanna is a very strong line drive hitter," said Bean. "She also plays very solid defense on the corners and is a great addition to our program."
Doggendorf is a .433 hitter who collected 145 hits and 91 stolen bases in her four-year varsity career for the Lions. She was a four-time All-Conference and All-District honoree, and also was named Subruban West Conference Player of the Year and first-team All-State while helping lead her team to a district championship as a senior. She plays club softball for Worth Prospects.
"Jamie will be a great utility for us," said Bean. "Her speed, combined with her offensive and defensive talents, will make all aspects of our program stronger."
Janosko hit .373 and led her team with a .519 on-base percentage as a junior last season. She also helped lead the Badgers to the fourth round of the state tournament last season. She plays club softball for the Phoenix Heat.
"Aly has great catching fundamentals along with a consistent bat," said Bean. "She will add depth behind the plate and other infield positions."
Magre posted 51 wins and 499 strikeouts in her career pitching for the Lancers, while also pitching 74 complete games and seven shutouts during her prep career. She was a a four-time All-District and All-Region honoree, and was also a two-time second-team All-State selection. She plays club softball for the St. Louis Chaos.
"Holly is a talented pitcher with the strength to play other positions," said Bean. "She will add strength on the mound and added depth on the infield.."
Ratajczyk has collected 68 career hits, stolen 17 bases, and hit .382 during her career for the Red Devils.
"Rebecca will give us more depth on the team," said Bean. "She can play in both the infield or outfield and that will help us tremendously."
Schoenbacher was an All-Conference, All-South, and third team All-State selection last season for the Panthers.
"Danielle is very good defensively in the outfield," said Bean. "She has a strong and accurate arm, and at the plate she can hit for power.
The McKendree University softball team finished last season with an overall record of 20-23. The Bearcats will begin their first season as members of the Great Lakes Valley Conference this spring, and will start the season in Florence, Ala., at the University of North Alabama Invitational on February 23-24.
