PINE BLUFF, Ark.-First Baseman Misti Cosby of Lindale, Texas and Texarkana College, pitcher/outfielder Heather Leigh of Chatsworth High School in Northridge, Calif., third baseman Ashley Strange of Sheridan, Ark., and catcher/third baseman/pitcher Stephanie Tubby of J.J. Pearce High School in Richardson, Texas have signed national letters of intent to play for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Coach Tim Munn said Wednesday.
“I'm excited about this first group of signees,” Munn said. “I think we have really filled some holes that continually plagued us last season.”
Cosby, one of the most decorated softball signees, boasts an impressive resume. The JUCO transfer, who earned All-American status last season, hit .490 this past season with 11 homeruns, 30 doubles and 77 RBIs. She was also a two-time First Team All-Region XIV performer for the Bulldogs.
“Misti is simply one of the best hitters I have ever seen,” Munn said. “She is well disciplined, fundamentally-sound and she understands all aspects of the game. We were extremely lucky to sign her and she will contribute immediately.”
Leigh, who is completing her senior year at Chatsworth High School was a four-year starter for CHS. She was also a three-time Most Valuable Player of the year.
“Heather brings a lot of enthusiasm and good, hard work-ethic to the table,” Munn said. “She's excited about moving from California to Southeast Arkansas. Even though she'll be a freshman coming in, she'll have the opportunity to pitch right away and she'll also get a good, long look in the outfield as well.”
Strange, a three-year starter at nearby Sheridan High School, recently completed her senior year where she hit .390 with 20 RBIs and helped her Lady Yellowjackets' squad reach the quarterfinals of the Class 6A State Softball playoffs. The two-time all-conference selection not only plays third base, but can also play shortstop.
“I wanted to sign Ashley the very first time I saw her play during her junior year,” Munn said. “I immediately knew that this was a player that could help our program in a variety of ways. She has incredibly soft hands at third and we'll probably give her more than just a passing glance at shortstop this fall.”
Tubby, may be the most versatile of the four signees as the JJ Pearce High School product can play third base, catcher and pitcher. During her junior season she hit .542 and was named Second-Team All-Conference.
“Stephanie gives us a lot of choices,” Munn said. “Honestly we needed another catcher and she will fill that spot easily. But the fact that she can also play third and pitch, will make her a valuable part of the team as well.”
The Lady Lions finished last season, Munn's first, at 10-31. The win total more than tripled the previous seasons' mark. Of UAPB's 31 losses, 22 of those were by three runs or less. In addition UAPB, which was picked to finish last in the Southwestern Athletic Conference Coaches' Preseason Poll, claimed a third-place finish in the SWAC's Western Division. The Lady Lions qualified for the SWAC Postseason Tournament for only the second time in school history and registered the second-most overall wins and second-most conference wins in school history.
Senior Markia Herron of Monticello, Ark., was named First-Team All-SWAC while freshman catcher Valerie Higareda from San Antonio, Texas and Herron were both named to the All-SWAC Tournament Team.
