Three Sign To Play For USI Softball In 2018
University of Southern Indiana Softball announces the signing of three incoming freshman to national letters of intent to compete for the Screaming Eagles in 2018 under Head Coach Sue Kunkle. The signees list includes first baseman/outfielder Haley Shouse (Borden, Indiana), second-baseman/outfielder Jessica Tucker (Georgetown, Kentucky), and infielder/outfielder Alicia Webb(Elberfeld, Indiana).
“This class as a whole will bring a little more depth to both our infield and outfield, while adding some speed to our lineup,” Kunkle said of the additions. “We are excited about the future of USI Softball and plan on continuing our successful tradition. The future looks extremely bright and it’s always a great day to be a Screagle!”
Shouse is an eight-time letter winner in softball and volleyball at Borden High School (Borden, Indiana). The three-time all-conference honoree and 2016 News and Tribune All-Area Team member helped guide Borden high school to the 2016 IHSAA Class A State Championship. Shouse and BHS won the 2015 regional and 2014 sectional crowns, as well as the 2014 and 2015 conference championships.
When describing Shouse, Kunkle applauded on the left-handers offensive ability. “Haley is a great addition to our lefty club and be a triple threat at the plate providing some power, speed, and versatility. She is a lefty first basemen/outfielder and will see time at both positions.”
Playing for OC Elite out of Mission Viejo, California, Shouse was a part of the team’s 2016 16U Gold State Championship and a 24th-place showing at ASA Gold Nationals. Shouses helped the team to a 17-3 record while batting .480 and stealing 10 bases. In 2015, Shouse was named Academic All-Star at the TCS Colorado Sparkler while her team was runner-up at the USSSA National Championships and ASA Nationals
A 2016 Kentucky State Champion with Scott County High School (Georgetown Kentucky), Tucker earned All-District and All-Region honors en route to the state title.
“Jess is going to make an immediate impact and bring added depth to both our middle infield as well as our outfield,” said Kunkle in regards to Tuckers’ defensive ability. “She also has great speed, range, and a great defensive glove. Offensively, Jess will be an aggressive and scrappy hitter with power, while also adding speed to our lineup.”
Tucker competed for Team Kentucky Gold, winning the 2015 Triple Crown Sports 16U East Coast Summer Nationals with a 9-0 record.
A 12-time letter winner in volleyball, basketball, and softball, Webb is currently a senior at Tecumseh High School (Lynnville, Indiana). The three-time All-State and All-Conference honoree helped guide Tecumseh to three-straight sectional titles (2014, 2015, and 2016) and a regional crown in 2016.
“One of the things we liked about Alicia was her swing and fast hands,” Kunkle said of the local tri-state player. “She has the potential to be a great doubles hitter. Defensively, we see her contending for an important role in the middle infield, but she also could be used as a utility player. ”
A member of Southern Indiana Sizzle, Webb batted .500 with six doubles and a home run, while guiding here team to the 2016 ASA (A) State Championship. In 2014, the team won the NSA State Championship and USSSA State Championship, as well as the 2013 USFA World Series Championship.
The Eagles will open the 2017 season on February 14 at the University of North Alabama in Florence, Alabama.
