Flagler Softball Signs Three

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. − Flagler College head softball coach Kristen Overton and the Athletics Department has announced the signing of three student-athletes to a National Letter of Intent to play for the Saints starting in the fall of 2010. Lauren Bessent, Katie Enright and Kalyn Loverich will play softball for the Saints beginning next year.

“We are very pleased with this class,” said Overton. “Each of our three signees address specific areas at which we’ll likely have needs in 2011. In four years I can see all three being great players.”

Bessent comes to Flagler from Trinity Christian Academy in Jacksonville where she plays shortstop for the Conquerors and Head Coach J.R. Borden. For the past two seasons she has a .408 batting average. Last year she batted .414 with 29 hits, 10 doubles, two triples and drove in 10 runs. In 70 at bats Bessent only struck out twice. She also plays for the Jacksonville Storm club team.

“Lauren is an athletic player and has the potential to step in and play right away,” said Overton.

Enright comes to Flagler from Oakland, N.J., where she is a pitcher/first base at Indian Hills High School for Head Coach Joe Leicht. Last year she earned the National Fast-Pitch Coaches Association (NFCA) second-team all-Region honors as well as being tabbed third-team all-state. Enright was also a first-team all-county selection. In the circle she posted a 23-5 record and struck out a school record 309 batters to go along with a 0.54 earned run average. Enright also had a .314 batting average in drove in a team-high 18 runs. She is a three-time all-league selection.

“Katie is a power pitcher and will contend for the No. 1 starter position in our rotation,” said Overton.

Loverich is another local product coming from St. Johns, Fla., and Bartram Trail High where she is a pitcher. She is a Florida Dairy Farmers 5A and a St. Augustine Record Softball State Player of the Year. Loverich was also named the Miracle Sports Florida High School 5A All-State Pitcher of the Year. She earned the Florida Times-Union first-team All-First Coast honors and received first-team St. Johns River Athletic Conference accolades. Loverich helped lead the Bears to the 2008 and 2009 Class 5A titles and a national ranking of No. 24 in the final ESPN RISE FAB 50 in 2009. Last year she posted a record of 22-4 with 227 strikeouts and a 0.33 earned run average.

“Kalyn is a finesse pitcher who is confident in her abilities and has excelled at every level,” said Overton.

Flagler College is a member of NCAA Division II and the Peach Belt Conference. Last year the Saints went 18-31 in their inaugural season of intercollegiate softball. Flagler opens the season Feb. 5 vs. Bluefield State College at the Georgia Southwestern Invitational in Americus.