For Immediate Release: December 22, 2009
Contact: Matt Muzza (sports@binghamton.edu)
Phone: 607-777-2956

Binghamton softball announces five signings for 2011 season

VESTAL, N.Y. - Head Coach Michelle Burrell has announced the signing of five recruits who will join the Binghamton softball program for the 2011 season. The Bearcats have signed Demi Laney (Casselberry, Fla./Lake Howell), Anna Blessing (Ashburn, Va./Broad Run), Mikala King (Binghamton, N.Y./Chenango Valley), Jordan Sjostrand (Albuquerque, N.M./Eldorado) and Jessica Bump (Windsor, N.Y./Windsor).

"I am very excited about this incoming class," Burrell said. "They are versatile, athletic, and will fill some essential and immediate needs for our program. They have played at a high level with their travel teams and should be able to contribute right away. I look forward to watching them develop while at Binghamton and helping each of them reach their academic and athletic goals."

Demi Laney is a pitcher/infielder who, as a Florida all-state selection, has amassed 325 strikeouts and also hit 10 home runs over the past three seasons.

"Demi will be a solid contributor on the mound as well as in the infield. Her presence on the mound is exceptional and she has the ability to contribute in so many ways. Demi will bring both consistency and power to our line-up."

Anna Blessing enters her senior season on a Broad Run squad that has won three straight Virginia AA State Championships and finished the 2008 season ranked No. 1 in the nation by USA Today/NFCA poll. Her team is 79-3 from 2007-09.

"Anna is an outfielder that reads the ball well, has a great arm, and we'll look to bring experience and leadership to our outfield and line-up. Anna plays high caliber ball with both the VA Shamrocks and Broad Run High School."

Mikala King was a starter and all-STAC performer for the 2009 state tournament regional champions Chenango Valley. Jordan Sjostrand is a three-time first team all-district selection.

"Mikala and Jordan are both versatile and have experience playing all infield positions. Mikala is a local standout from Chenango Valley high school and has played travel ball with both the STPS Ponies and Diamond Dusters. Jordan plays for the New Mexico Sundancers out of Albuquerque. They are solid both defensively and offensively and will help us in all facets of the game."

Jessica Bump was a member of the 2008 Class B New York State Championship and is a former teammate of Bearcat Meghan Tucker.

"Jessica can play a number of positions and has an excellent glove. She's a three sport athlete from Windsor High School. She is a competitor and very athletic. Jessica will bring speed to our line-up and has the ability to hit from both sides of the plate."

Binghamton will open its 2010 season at the Georgia Southern Invite on February 19.