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News Release

UMBC SOFTBALL SIGNS TWO BALTIMORE STANDOUTS FOR FALL 2006

12/12/2005


Amanda Fefel

Lauren O'Malley

Baltimore, Md.-UMBC head softball coach Joe French announced Monday the signings of two Baltimore-area standouts who will join the Retrievers in the fall of 2006. Amanda Fefel (Catonsville, Md./Catonsville) and Lauren O’Malley (Pasadena, Md./Archbishop Spalding), both Baltimore Sun All-Metro selections, have signed National Letters of Intent to attend UMBC.

 

Fefel, a power pitcher who also plays the outfield and the corner infield positions, throws more than 60 miles per hour and has hit over .500 in each of her first three years at Catonsville. Named the 2005 Baltimore County Player of the Year by the Baltimore Sun, Fefel is a three-time team MVP and first-team all-county selection and a two-time all-metro pick.

 

“Amanda is one of the best players in the state,” French said. "She will be an impact player as both a pitcher and a hitter. She is one of the best right-handed power hitters in the state."

 

O’Malley, an outfielder and first baseman, has hit just under .500 during her high school career, which began at Mount de Sales before she transferred to Archbishop Spalding before her junior year. O’Malley is a two-time Baltimore Sun all-metro first team selection and was also named first-team all-Anne Arundel County in 2005.

 

“Lauren is one of the best pure left-handed line drive power hitters graduating in Maryland this year,” French said. “Her left-handed bat will bring some balance to our lineup.”

 

O’Malley’s father, Tim, was a career .338 hitter as a first baseman on UMBC’s baseball team from 1982-83.

 

“Both of these student-athletes are outstanding individuals who will be outstanding players in our program,” French said. “They both have played nationally against some of the best players in the country throughout their travel softball experience.”

 

Fefel and O’Malley both played travel ball for the Rivera Beach Team Miken and will join former teammates Dana Shepherd and Courtney O’Hara at UMBC.