Redhawks softball signs seven

The Southeast Missouri State softball team has announced the signing of seven players to letters of intent, including recent Cape Girardeau Central graduate Sirena Watkins, which raises the total to 11 new faces for the 2009 season.

In addition to Watkins, high school players signed were Stefanie Barnes (James Logan H.S., Union City, Calif.), Kristie Lutz (Geneseo H.S., Geneseo, Ill.), Kristie Scudder (Brashear H.S., Kirksville, Mo.), Tiffany Blanco (Paloma Valley H.S., Canyon Lake, Calif.) and Hollie Clark (Thomas Downey H.S., Modesto, Calif.)

Also signed was shortstop Nicole Troncoso (Palmdale, Calif.), who transferred from Boston College after her freshman season.

Barnes recorded a 25-3 record her senior season, which included one perfect game, three no-hitters and 15 shutouts. She also batted .430 with three home runs and 32 RBIs in being named all-state.

Lutz, a utility player, led Geneseo in home runs, RBIs and extra-base hits her senior season, which ended with second-team all-state honors.

Scudder was Brashear's MVP in 2005, 2006 and 2007, and she was a four-time all-conference selection.

Blanco, who can play second base or outfield, was all-conference four times and her league MVP her senior season.

Clark, a catcher, was also her league MVP this past season.

Waltkins was all-district and all-conference as a junior at Central, and was the recipient of the Darla Pannier Award as a senior.

The newcomers join early signees Gianna Zimmerman, Ashlee Hebel, Renee Kurtz and Shelby Stein.