UA softball signs stellar four-player class

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Anthony Gimino

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The Arizona softball team has signed four high school players to national letters-of-intent, coach Mike Candrea said Thursday.

They are:

-- Pitcher Kenzie Fowler from Canyon del Oro High School. She is the reigning Gatorade National Softball Player of the Year.

-- Corner infielder Baillie Kirker from Crescenta Valley (Calif.) High. Perhaps the top power-hitting prospect in the nation, she set a California Interscholastic Federation Southern Section record with 18 home runs last season. She has 37 career home runs and should break the state record of 45, held by current UA freshman Lini Koria.

--Outfielder Becca Tikey from Scottsdale Horizon High. She's a left-handed hitter who can slap-hit and swing away. Good all-around game.

--Catcher/middle infielder Brigette DelPonte, Peoria Sunrise Mountain High. A teammate of Tikey's on the Arizona HotShots Gold, one of the top 18-and-under teams in the nation. Only 5-foot-4 or so, but has a lot of power.

Quick analysis: Softball recruiting doesn't get dissected and ranked like football and men's basketball, but UA's class is what you have come to expect: One of the finest in the nation.

Check Friday's paper for comments on the class from UA head coach Mike Candrea.