Flagler Announces Softball Recruiting Class

ST. AUGUSTINE − Flagler College head softball coach Kristen Overton officially announced the addition of five student-athletes to the 2012 softball roster. Joining the team this fall, and attending class at Flagler, will be Marissa Blake, Hayley Craven, Whitney Little, Becca Millage and Lauren Roudabush.

Blake, a 5-foot-5 utility player, transfers to Flagler from Daytona State College. She batted .269 with 77 hits, 14 doubles, five home runs, 27 runs batted in and scored 57 runs in her career. Blake was selected to the all-Mid-Florida Conference second-team as a freshman and was an honorable mention selection as a sophomore. She went to Winter Springs High where she was a three-time all-Seminole Athletic Conference selection and earned second-team all-state honors in Class 6A as a senior.

“Having two years of experience at the junior college level is a great advantage for Marissa,” said Overton. “She is a strong player defensively. Marissa’s two greatest strengths are her knowledge of the game and her dedication. She is able to make great instinctive plays that many other players.” 

Craven, a 6-foot catcher, is local product out of Bartram Trail High. She and Flagler sophomore Kalyn Loverich were the battery on Bears State Champion teams in 2008 and 2009 as well as a final four appearance in 2010. Craven helped lead the Bears to a state semifinal appearance in 2011.  

“Offensively Hayley has the ability to bring some more power to the Saints lineup,” said Overton. “When behind the plate, Hayley is a solid catcher with an incredible arm.”

Little, a 5-foot-5 outfielder, played at Indian River State College during the 2007 and 2008 seasons. In her career, she batted .428 with 113 hits, 23 runs batted in and 111 stolen bases in 114 attempts. Little stole 74 bases as a sophomore, which led all of NJCAA Division I. She earned all-Southern Conference first-team honors both seasons. Little prepped at Bartow High and helped lead the team to four state titles and a No. 1 ranking by the USA Today in 2003. She was a two-time all-state selection and was the Region 3 District 9 Player of the Year in 2006. 

“Whitney speed is her greatest asset,” said Overton. “She has the ability to put pressure on the defense, like someone we have never had before.”

Millage, a 5-foot-9 shortstop/third baseman, comes to Flagler from The High School of Saint Thomas More in Champaign, Ill. She is a three-time all-Sangamon Valley Conference first team selection and earned honorable mention honors as a freshman. Millage also earned News-Gazette all-Area second-team honors as a senior after batting .515 with 11 doubles, four home runs, 46 RBI and a .560 on-base percentage. She was selected all-conference in volleyball for three seasons.  

“Becca brings versatility to the program,” said Overton. “As a pitcher, middle infielder and a hitter, Becca’s athleticism will give the team must depth.”

Roudabush, a 5-foot-6 utility player, is another Illinois product, but hailing from Marengo High. She batted .507 with a .686 slugging percentage, a .540 on-base percentage, 24 RBI, 15 doubles, two triples, two home runs and scored 50 runs. Roudabush’s batting average was tied for the best in the area. She was a two-time all-state and a three-time all-Big Northern Conference selection. Roudabush was a three-time Northwest Herald all-Area honoree.

“Lauren’s athletic ability makes her a vital part of the 2011 recruiting class,” said Overton. “She can play multiple positions, and play them all well. She has great speed to add to the lineup as well.”

Flagler is coming off its best season ever with a 42-18 overall record. The Saints advanced to the finals of the Dahlonega Regional. Flagler lost four seniors of last year’s team.