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News Release
UMBC SOFTBALL SIGNS FOUR IN EARLY PERIOD
11/25/2002
Head softball coach Joe French announced today that four prospective student athletes have signed national letters of intent to continue their academic and softball careers at UMBC.
The incoming student-athletes are shortstop Gina Olivieri (Aquinas HS/Rochester, NY), second baseman Nicole Stanke (Allentown HS/Allentown, NJ), second baseman/left fielder Lindsay Orlando (Irondequoit HS/Rochester, NY), and third baseman/catcher Reilly Ward (Sherwood HS/Sandy Spring, MD).
Olivieri, who plays for the Rochester Lady Red Wings traveling summer team, bats right and is an great shortstop. "She has an outstanding arm, glove, quick baserunning, and is a great hitter with line drive power," said French. "Olivieri has made numerous All-Star teams in western New York and is one of the best overall athletes in Monroe County (Rochester)."
Second baseman Stanke, who also bats right, plays for the nationally recognized New York Beach Girls Gold Team. A former teammate of current Retriever freshman pitcher Lauren Nicholson, Stanke has made numerous New Jersey All-Star teams throughout her scholastic career. "Nicole possesses a terrific glove, a solid arm, and is a steady hitter," said French.
Orlando has played numerous positions in her high school and summer league teams, and will see time in both the infield and outfield at UMBC. "She has a solid glove and arm, and an outstanding bat," said French. During both summer and fall leagues, she plays for the Rochester Blazers, and has been selected to several All-Star teams in western New York. Her brother, Mike, is an outfielder for the UMBC baseball team.
Ward, a third baseman/catcher/designated hitter, plays for the Maryland Outlaws in the summer and fall leagues. An all-around athlete who also excels in field hockey and basketball in Sherwood High, Reilly is one of Maryland’s top hitters. "She has line drive power to all fields," said French. "She has a solid glove and arm and will battle for both the third base and catching spots." Reilly has made numerous All-Star teams in Montgomery County in all three sports during her high school career.
"I am very pleased with the quality of these athletes, both athletically and academically," said Coach French. "I am looking forward to their arrival next fall. They should help continue the rich tradition of UMBC softball and blend in with our outstanding veteran players immediately."