Softball signs eight for the 2014-15 season

NORMAL - Alabama A&M softball signed eight high school players to join the Bulldogs family in 2014-15, head coach Nakeya Hall announced Monday.

Raven Christiansen, a senior at Cullman High School, has been the rock for her squad throughout her solid career, both as an ace pitcher and a tremendous leader to her teammates. Coming off a fine junior campaign, Christiansen has kept busy during the offseason looking to improve her game in whatever way she can heading into the spring.

"It's relief and it's excitement," Christiansen said following her dotting the line. "I'm ready to go. I want to finish out my senior year of course, but I'm just excited to get down there afterwards."

Christiansen cited a great campus and a better scholarship offer as a couple reasons for her commitment to the Bulldogs. The biggest draw was the reception she got from her future teammates and coaching staff.

"This year's graduating seniors are really irreplaceable, both on and off the field," said Hall. "However, we've been able to draw national interest in our program, and have found some extremely talented players to help us move forward and build on our previous success."

Kia Lang, from Marietta, Georgia is a senior at Hillgrove High School. She is the recipient of multiple awards including the 2013 Hillgrove High School varsity team MVP, Infielder Golden Glove Award, Golden Spike Award, and named second Team All-Region.

A trio of catchers also enters the fold in the Bulldog lineup. Sierra Smith from Douglasville, Georgia is a senior, at Chapel Hill High School. During the 2012 season, Smith was named MVP and All-Conference First Team in Clayton County, Georgia. In 2013 she was voted Best Defensive Player as well as All-County Second team. She has been the starting catcher for her varsity team since she was a freshman.

Alexandria Garzone is a senior at Katella High School. She is a native of Anaheim, California.

"She is a hard worker and is a high energy player. As a junior she was the starting catcher on the varsity team. She is a leader and embodies great blocking skills behind the plate," says Hall.

One player with experience in the circle highlights the 2014 recruiting class. Emily Lipinski, is a senior at Hartselle High School. Emily pitched in the USSSA World Series helping the team to a fourth place finish. Hall states, "Lipinski is a hard worker and is considered to be a strikeout pitcher."

Rounding out the 2014-15 class are infielders Tiana Sanders, Lauren Walker and Ariel Smith.

A senior at Shelbyville Central High School Sanders, is a three-year starter for the Eaglettes, as well as an outstanding hitter with the ability to hit with power. Sanders, batted .400 her junior year with seven home runs and was named to the All-District 8AAA team. She has a total of 17 home runs, including two grand slams, in her high school career. She was named District 8AAA Forward of the Year and Eaglettes Offensive Player of the Year last season, as a member of the soccer team.

Ariel Smith, is a local kid from Sparkman High School in Huntsville, Alabama. Ariel is a power hitter and played an essential role in Sparkman High School winning the State Championship in 2011 and 2012. Ariel started every game at third base last year and has lead the team in hitting during the state tournament.

Finally, Lauren Walker, is a senior at St. Martin High School and hails from Biloxi, Mississippi. Walker was named to the HSMS MHSAA Fast Pitch All-State Team for 6A. Lauren led the division with a .507 batting average as a junior.

"Lauren will be a solid player at first base for us," Hall mentions.

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