Nov. 11, 2009

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (Wednesday, November 11, 2009) - Redhawks softball head coach Lana Richmond announced the signing of three prep players to National Letters of Intent (NLI) on Wednesday, the first day of the fall signing period. Luey Marble, Amber Ewert and Shea Cothren are the first signees of 2010-2011 the recruiting class.

Marble, a native of Jefferson City, helped Blair Oaks High School to their very first Missouri State Championship less than two weeks ago. A three-time All-State pitcher, she led the team to a 22-6 record and pitched the final two innings of the title game allowing no hits. In the state semifinal game Marble pitched a complete game one-hitter to propel the Falcons to the title game.

She helped her team to four-straight Conference and District Championships and a state quarterfinal appearance in 2007 before their state title this season. During the 2007 season she was named both conference and team MVP. She is a four-year starter and garnered three-straight All-Conference, All-District and All-Region honors. She was coached by Sharon Buschjost.

On the club level she plays on the Missouri Rattlers where she helped the team to a ASA 18U-A State Tournament title in 2008, a National Qualifier Championship this past summer and the Hall of Fame Qualifier Championship as well.

"The first time our staff saw Luey throw, our pitching coach Jeff Dabney was so impressed with her potential we offered her a scholarship," said Coach Richmond. "Luey was an early verbal to us in the recruiting process and we are thrilled to get this caliber of a pitcher. She throws in mid 60's consistently with a variety of pitches."

Amber Ewert was named All-Conference after garnering honorable mention Suburban Big Seven honors as a junior

Ewert joins Marble as a "Show Me State" signee as she hails from Lee's Summit, a suburb near Kansas City. She was a four-year starter in the outfield for Raymore Peculiar High School and coach Bruce Sharp's Panthers. This past season she was named All-Conference after garnering honorable mention Suburban Big Seven honors as a junior.

Ewert is also a four-year member of the Panthers track team where she competes in the 100 meters, 400 meters and both the 100 and 300 meter hurdles.

Her summer ASA team is the KC Zephyrs 18 Gold team under the direction of Rob Wade. During her career she batted over .400 for the Zephyrs.

"Amber gets a good read defensively on the ball and possesses a very good arm," said Coach Richmond. "She's a pure lefty slapper-hitter, capable of playing all three outfield positions. She is competitive, focused and will bring speed and athleticism to the program."

Shea Cothren was named All-State this season in Arkansas as well as All-Conference

Cothren hails from Paragould, Arkansas where she played at Greene County Tech as a pitcher and utility infielder. This past season she led her team to its fourth-straight state tournament berth were she was selected to the All-Tournament Team and was named All-State and First Team All-Conference.

A four-year starter, she helped her Lady Eagles to the program's first state tournament appearance as a freshman pitcher. Her junior season she played a vital role as the team finished third at the state tournament. She was selected to the Arkansas High School Fastpitch Association Junior Classic Tournament Team after compiling a 1.01 ERA and batting .351 and slugging 25 homeruns.

She competes on the Indy Dream 18 Gold summer league after being named MVP of two ASA State Tournaments. In 2008 her team finished second at the USFA 16U National Tournament. This past summer her team was the USFA 18U champions.

"Shea is a righty power pitcher," said Coach Richmond. "She throws hard and has the potential to dominate a game from the circle. She can also play first base and brings another strong bat in the line-up for our team next season."