Baseball team loads up on pitching

Southeast Missouri State interim baseball coach Steve Bieser recently announced the addition of six players to the Redhawks' 2014 roster during the NCAA's early signing period.

Joining the Redhawks next season will be Greg Mosel, Tyler Iago, Travis Hayes, Garrett Stockton, Matthew Wade and Andrew Croucher.

All are right-handed pitchers and Stockton is also an outfielder.

"We were able to sign six quality student-athletes that fit the mold of our program," Bieser said in a release. "Our staff has worked extremely hard in the recruiting process."

Mosel is a sophomore at national powerhouse Redlands (Okla.) Community College. He struck out 57, walked 13 and allowed 50 hits while compiling a 4.89 ERA in 49 2/3 innings last season as a freshman.

"Greg is an outstanding sign for our program," Bieser said. "We are getting a top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher who has been battle-tested."

Iago is also a sophomore at Redlands. In 47 1/3 innings last season, he struck out 43, walked 15 and allowed 38 hits with a 3.04 ERA.

"Tyler has great mound presence and really understands the art of pitching," Bieser said. "He will be a factor in our rotation in 2014."

Hayes is a sophomore at national power Jefferson College in Hillsboro, Mo. The graduate of Crystal City (Mo.) High School struck out 57 and gave up 51 hits in 47 1/3 innings with a 4.58 ERA as a freshman.

"Travis is a young man who I have followed since his high school days and each time I saw him pitch, I came away impressed," Bieser said. "He is coming from a top junior college program and should be ready to be a force on our pitching staff in 2014."

Stockton is a sophomore at Three Rivers College in Poplar Bluff, Mo. The graduate of Twin Rivers (Mo.) High School had a 1.37 ERA as the Raiders' closer last season. He struck out 24, walked six and allowed 17 hits in 26 1/3 innings.

"Garrett is a guy we recruited out of high school. He is a great athlete who can definitely help us as a two-way player," Bieser said.

Wade is a senior at First Assembly Christian School in Cordova, Tenn. He had an 0.76 ERA in 27 2/3 innings last season, striking out 31, walking eight and allowing 18 hits.

"Matt has tremendous upside and his best years are definitely ahead of him," Bieser said. "He will be a mainstay in our program for many years."

Croucher is a senior at Galveston (Texas) Ball. He earned all-district honors last year.

"Andrew is a workhorse. He is a big-time competitor who has excelled against tough Texas talent," Bieser said.

Softball

Southeast landed outfielder Nicole Deering, infielder Rachael Duncan, pitchers Aubrey Denno and Keaira Schilling, and utility player Kahleen "KC" Saxe during the early signing period. They will join the Redhawks for the 2014 season.

"We are eager to see what these players bring to our program," Southeast coach Lana Richmond said in a release. "This class is well-balanced, bringing a good mix of speed and power, while adding depth to the circle."

Deering is a senior at Nashville (Ill.) High School. The second-team all-state pick hit .450 with 25 stolen bases last year.

Duncan is a high school senior in Simi Valley, Calif. She batted .309 with a .367 on-base percentage during her first three years.

Denno is a high school senior in North Newton, Kan. She was 15-5 with a 2.10 ERA, 148 strikeouts and 36 walks in 100 innings last year.

Schilling is a senior at Kirksville (Mo.) High School. She was 12-7 with a 1.74 ERA, 102 strikeouts and 19 walks in 81 innings last year.

Saxe is a high school senior in Moorpark, Calif. She hit .261 and stole eight bases in eight attempts last year.

Volleyball

Southeast landed libero Jade Mortimer, setter Katarina Rotta and right-side hitter Maddie Werths during the early signing period. They will join the Redhawks for the 2013 season.

"I'm pleased with the class as we have a very well-rounded group of athletes that will make an immediate impact on the program," Southeast coach Julie Folliard said in a release.

Mortimer is a high school senior in Bloomington, Ill. The Under Armour All-American nominee recorded 291 digs this year.

Rotta, a high school senior from Walworth, Wis., earned all-state and conference player of the year honors this season.

Werths, a senior at Edwardsville (Ill.) High School, helped lead her team to four straight regional and conference titles, and a third-place finish in the 2010 state tournament.

Gymnastics

Southeast landed high school seniors Chelsi Hamilton, Lauren Israel and Bailey Walker during the early signing period. They will join the Redhawks for the 2014 season.

"Every year we strive to bring in a freshman class that will continue to increase our talent level and push our winning and scoring opportunities to the next level," Southeast coach Kristi Ewasko said in a release. "With the three commitments during this signing period, we have definitely conquered that challenge."

Hamilton, from Arlington, Tex., earned Level 10 status prior to the 2012 season. She won the vault and all-around at the Level 9 national championships in 2011.

Israel, from Blue Springs, Mo., has competed at Level 10 since 2010. She placed fifth on beam and ninth on bars at this year's Junior Olympic nationals.

Walker, from Chanhassen, Minn., has competed at Level 10 since late 2009. She has qualified for Junior Olympic nationals each year she has competed at Level 10.

-- From staff reports