Published: June 16, 2007 11:25 pm         

Berry signs five at MSU

After losing five seniors to graduation, Mountain State University softball coach Tim Berry has been hitting the recruiting trail hard.

He’s signed five players, including Shady Spring infielder Sam Daniels, Wyoming East catcher Toni Dawson and Oak Hill first baseman Patty Tygrett.

So far, so good, according to Berry, who hopes to sign two pitchers over the next few weeks.

The new recruits “all have great attitudes and will fit well in the scheme of the team,” he said. “They seem to be pretty excited to come aboard and be part of our family.”

Daniels, who can play anywhere in the infield, helped Shady Spring reach four state tournaments and win the 2005 Class AA championship.

Her average dipped to just .200 her junior year, but she rebounded this spring to hit .431 with five doubles for the 18-10 Tigers.

“Sam was more disciplined in the box this year,” Berry said. “She waited for her pitch.”

He expects big things from her.

“I’m not sure where she will factor into the lineup just yet, but she will get considerable playing time as a freshman,” Berry said. “She has a good glove and arm and she swings a decent bat.

“We’ll be able to help her expand on her batting capabilities.”

Dawson batted .404 for Wyoming East (21-6), which finished runner-up to Shady in the regional.

“Toni is a good contact hitter, which is what we look for,” Berry said. “She has the ability to work behind the plate or at the corners.”

Tygrett starred in both basketball and basketball for Oak Hill.

“Patty has good foot speed and a decent arm, so she could find herself in the outfield,” Berry said. “We’ll work on her bunting and slapping, trying to capitalize on her speed.”

The Cougars have also signed junior catcher-third baseman Kaylie Layman from Coastal Georgia Community College and junior first baseman Jesica Green from Rend Lake Community College in DuQuoya, Ill.

“Kaylie has a great glove and a super arm. She’ll move baserunners,” Berry said. “Jesica is a good contact hitter. We’ll try to develop her power more.”

MSU (12-22) graduated three veteran pitchers and strong hitters in Natalie Hanson (.430), Stephanie Barrow (.402) and Katie Rains (.486), plus infielder Genesis Coll (.404) and utility player Bre Harper Rist (.327).

Surprisingly, the Cougars ranked No. 1 in the NAIA in batting average (.411) and fielding percentage (.977) and second in stolen bases per game (3.47) and hits per game (11.19).

“We were a lot better than our record dictated,” Berry said. “We had seven doubleheaders rained out. That’s 14 games and we would have won a majority of them, hands down.”

MSU does return several talented starters, including senior pitcher Sara Rapp (.509), outfielders Jennifer Sloan (.531) and Annie Yost (.269), catcher Brittany Lantz (.407) and infielder Lauren Howell (.505).

Rapp, a former Richwood standout, was named to the all-Region 12 team, a first for the Cougars.

Second baseman Anna Kincaid underwent a liver transplant April 10 and had to miss the entire season. Berry said she is recovering nicely and he fully expects her to play next spring.

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