Nov. 28, 2005

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. - (Monday, November 28, 2005) Softball Head Coach Lana Richmond has announced the signing of three prep standouts to national letters of intent to play for the Southeast Missouri State softball team in 2007. Sarah Estopare, Samantha Espiricueta and Alex Ramirez each announced their intentions to play for Southeast during the NCAA's Early Signing Period.

Estopare is a shortstop from nearby Arnold, Missouri and is currently one of the top middle infielder in the state for Fox High School. Last year she was a All-Conference and All-District selection at her shortstop position as she hit .350. A tremendous athlete she showed off that athleticism last fall when she became the first Fox High School athlete to be awarded two letters in a season when she competed in softball and in cross country.

She played for the elite St. Peters Royals ASA Summer team this past summer where she helped lead the Royals to a top-12 finish at Nationals.

"Sarah will come into Southeast as a true utility infielder," said Coach Richmond. "She can play short, second, and probably be trained at third. Sarah gets a great jump on the ball and has a very strong arm. She impressed me about her desire to be a Redhawk and will make a solid addition to our infield."

Espiricueta hails from Belton, Mo. where she played the infield and outfield for Belton High School. "Sam" was Belton High School's Rookie of the Year last year. Sam was an All-District and an All-Conference selection as she was named team MVP, batting .400 last season.

Espiricueta also played on the Kansas City Lasers ASA Summer team. The Lasers were first in the USSSA and were a top 15 team in the ASA nationals in Columbus, Ga.

Sam is a State Qualifier in the discus showing that she is an all around athlete. She took fourth place in the discus at the AAU Junior Olympics and seventh place in the javelin.

"Sam has the potential to become one of the dominant hitters in the OVC," said Coach Richmond. "She is very strong physically and has just begun to realize her potential. She is versatile to compete at both infield corners and can play the outfield as well. Sam will gain valuable experience this summer with the KC Lasers who play a national competitive schedule."

Ramirez is a Catcher from Corona, Ca. Alex was a Rookie of the year and All-Conference selection batting .330 for El Modena High School. Ramirez also played for the Filly's Gold ASA team in the summer.

"Alex is definitely a pitcher's catcher with her leadership and command on the field," said Coach Richmond. "She has a rifle arm and a good defensive blocker behind the plate. Offensively she has a great eye at the plate and makes good solid contact. Alex will team up with freshman catcher Amber Peterson to comprise a solid catching duo."

"This definitely is a solid group of freshmen who will contribute right away to our program," said Coach Richmond. "They all play on quality ASA summer travel ball teams who compete against collegiate bound competition. We are eager to get this group into our program."