June 17, 2008

PHOTO GALLERY

DURHAM, N.C. - North Carolina Central University announces the signing of five student-athletes to join the 2008-2009 Lady Eagles softball team.

Andrea Searls, an infielder hailing from Oceanside, Calif., served as team captain and started as a varsity catcher her final three years at Guajome Park Academy in Vista, Calif. "We are very excited about Andrea joining the Lady Eagles softball team," NCCU head softball coach Mike Charlton said. "I think she will step in and contribute right away by adding a defensive and offensive presence."

Utility player Jessica Refojo comes to NCCU from Miami Southridge Senior High in Miami, Fla. Voted most valuable player her junior and senior seasons, Refojo holds a batting average of .235 and an on base average of .403. "Jessica is a very skilled and versatile player," Charlton said. "She is going to add great depth to our middle infield. She has great hands and wonderful mechanics, which makes her such an asset for us on the defensive side of the ball."

Anisha Smith, a pitcher out of West Stanly High School in Oakboro, N.C., received All-Conference Honorable Mention during her tenure. "Anisha is our `diamond in the rough,'" said Charlton. "She is a very talented young lady with a tremendous work ethic. She competes in every sense of the word. Anisha will be joining a very talented pitching crew that will help her continue to push forward to great things."

Tia Kirby, a defensive specialist out of Wake Forest-Rolesville High School in Wake Forest, N.C., earned a spot on the 2008 All-Conference First Team. "We expect good things from Tia," Charlton said. "She is a defensive specialist who can play anywhere around the field. She's quick, agile and has a cannon for an arm. Tia will definitely add stability to our defensive areas in which we struggled last year."

Rounding out the recruiting class is Raven Ruther, a shortstop from East Wake High School in Raleigh, N.C. "Raven is a difference maker," said Charlton. "She brings confidence wherever she goes. She has a wonderful attitude and gives 100 percent all the time. She has the ability to step in and contribute right away to the team's success."

(written by Nicole Mitchell, Sports Information Graduate Assistant)