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News Release

UMBC SOFTBALL INKS TWO IN FALL SIGNING PERIOD

1/5/2005

Courtney O'Hara

Michelle Olivieri

Baltimore, Md. - UMBC Head Softball Coach Joe French has announced the signing of outfielder Courtney O’Hara (Pasadena, Md./Institute of Notre Dame) and second-baseman/outfielder Michelle Olivieri (Brockport, N.Y./The Aquinas Institute). “We have signed two very talented high school players who should help us in the very rugged America East Conference,” said French.

O’Hara, an accomplished switch-hitter with 2.6 speed to first base, was a Baltimore Sun First Team honoree in 2003 and 2004, and a member of the Second Team in 2002. At Notre Dame, her team-leading career batting average is .450, and she also led her team in hits, stolen bases, and runs scored. In addition, she has played summer ball for Riviera Beach 18 Gold Spirit, where she leads off in the lineup.

“Courtney is one of the fastest and quickest softball players in the state of Maryland,” said French. “She is a triple threat type of hitter, as she can bunt, slap, and hit with line drive power from both sides. We are looking forward to the pressure that Courtney will put on opposing defensive teams. Defensively, she can track the ball with the best outfielders, and has an outstanding arm.”

Olivieri, a right-handed versatile player who can play both infield and outfield, will be joining her older sister Gina on the UMBC squad. A Third Team All-State and All-Monroe County athlete as a junior, her career batting average is .433 and she leads the league in stolen bases, doubles, and triples. In the off-season, she plays for the Rochester Lady Lions 18 summer team.

“Michelle has good line drive power and can hit the ball to all fields and in the gaps,” said French. “She is also very solid defensively with her good arm. She will be a great addition to our team and will give us versatility.”

“Both of these student-athletes have played in numerous regional and national tournaments during their summer travel seasons against teams from all over the country,” added French. “This should speed up their adjustment to the Division I level, as they both bring athleticism, a strong knowledge of the game, and most of all, a strong desire to be a UMBC Retriever.”