ABILENE, Texas - Just three weeks after completing the 2009 season where the ACU Wildcats won a school record 43 games, head coach
Chantiel Wilson announced Wednesday the signing of four junior college transfers to bolster the 2010 squad.
Wilson saw seven seniors depart after exhausting their eligibility; ACU’s season ended with a loss to Missouri Western in the NCAA Division II South Central Region Tournament May 9.
The newcomers include a pitcher, a corner infielder, a utility player and a shortstop, all which were needed to fill the void of players departing the Wildcat squad. Wilson added two players from Palomar College, one from Antelope Valley College and one from Phoenix College.
“We are excited about the players joining our rosters this fall,” said Wilson. “The players coming in are experienced and have had great success at their previous programs. These players have been well coached and are fundamentally sound. Their knowledge of the game will help their transition into our program.”
Candice Miller hails from Antelope Valley College and played first and third base for two seasons. In her freshman campaign, she was a first-team juco all-America selection, and over two seasons she hit above .400, hit 27 doubles, belted 11 homers and drove in 77 runs. Miller could help fill an opening left by first baseman
Katie Cornelison (also an Antelope Valley alum) who finished her career with ACU this season.
“We are excited about Candice coming to ACU. She is a hard-nosed player who plays the game the way it should be played,” Wilson said. “Candice has a quick bat with a lot of power and understands the fundamentals of hitting. Defensively she is capable of playing both corners well.”
Andi Anti was a two-year shortstop for Palomar College and also earned first team all-America honors in 2008. In two seasons, she hit 31 doubles, six triples, nine homers and drove in 58 RBI. Anti could step in and start at shortstop immediately after
Melissa Rodriguez finished her ACU career this season.
““We are looking forward to Andi joining our program. She is a leader at the shortstop position with a great a great arm with excellent agility,” said Wilson. “Offensively she has put up great numbers the past couple years and we feel her best is yet to come.”
Shawna Barrow will join Anti from Palomar College in San Marcos, Calif. and was a utility player for the program for two seasons. In 2008 she hit .380 and stole 23 bases, but in 2009 she hit an astounding .475 with 11 doubles, four triples, 28 RBI and 19 stolen bases. She could see time as a leadoff hitter filling the void left by ACU’s
Brooke Whittlesey and could see time at second base filling the opening left by the Wildcats’
Jackie Gentile.
“Shawna is an excellent athlete who can do a lot of things. She is a lefty slap-hitter who has really developed” said Wilson. “This past spring Shawna was one of the state leaders in hits and stolen bases. She played shortstop her freshman year at Palomar and was the team’s center fielder this past season. We expect to use Shawna in the middle infield next year with her excellent glove and range.”
Brittany Rexroat, the only non-California signee will join ACU from Phoenix College and help bolster the Wildcats’ pitching staff. In two years, she compiled a 24-5 record and struck out 178 hitters in 175 innings of work. The Wildcats have one starting pitcher and several relief pitchers returning, but Rexroat could fill the void left by ACU’s
Kim Partin who was the No. 2 starter in 2009.
““We are excited about Brittany joining ACU this fall. She comes from Phoenix College who played a key role in their 2008 National championship campaign,” Wilson said. “Brittany is a tough competitor who pays attention to her fundamentals and is tight around the zone with a variety of pitches. We expect great things from Brittany at ACU in the next two years.”