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The Mount Vernon Nazarene College women's fastpitch softball team has added two recruits to the Lady Cougars' roster for the 2001 season.
Amber Prosser and Elisha Blair have both signed letters of intent to further their education and continue their softball careers at MVNC.
Prosser, a pitcher from Ontario, Ohio, compiled a school-record 20 victories as she posted a 20-4 mark on the mound with a microscopic 0.91 earned run average as a senior at Ontario High School. In 160 2/3 innings of work, she struck out 223 batters and issued just 39 walks. She also recorded a .315 batting average with 11 runs batted in and 21 runs scored.
"Getting a player of Amber's caliber is very exciting for our program," said MVNC head coach Jeana Howald. "She will compete right away for us in our pitching rotation. She has the potential to be an impact player in our conference if she continues to work hard."
After earning All-North Central Conference Second Team honors as a sophomore, Prosser was named to the NCC First Team following both her junior and senior seasons. As a senior, she was also selected to the Northwest District First Team and the All-Ohio First Team.
"I picked MVNC for several reasons," explained Prosser of her college choice. "When I visited the campus, I was impressed with how beautiful it is. I also like the fact that I am close enough to home that my family can come watch me play. Plus, Coach Howald was really interested in me and I am looking forward to playing for her."
Blair, a first baseman/utility player from Marion, Ohio, batted .254 with 10 runs batted in and 12 runs scored as a senior at Pleasant High School. As a relief pitcher, she also posted a 2-0 record with a 3.71 earned run average. She struck out 12 batters in 11 1/3 innings of work.
"I am excited to add Elisha to our program," said Howald. "Her ability to play several positions will give us a lot of options of where to use her. She will compete for playing time at a couple of spots."
In addition to playing softball, Blair was active in National Honor Society, band, choir, and drama. She was also selected to Who's Who Among American High School Students.
"The main reason why I chose to attend MVNC was the Christian atmosphere that I experienced while on campus," said Blair of her college choice. "I am looking forward to growing in my relationship with Christ at MVNC."
The Lady Cougars posted a 17-19 overall record in 2000 and an 11-13 American Mideast Conference mark with only one senior on the roster. With a veteran roster of returning players and the addition of these two recruits, the future looks bright for the MVNC women's fastpitch softball program.
