Siena Softball Receives Five LOI's

Saints Welcome Five Members of Class of 2015
The Siena softball program has inked five commitments during this season's recruiting period. These new recruits will suit up for the Saints beginning in the 2012 season, and head coach Bill Lajeunesse has high hopes for the class of 2015.
"We targeted the areas of speed, power, and the catching position as the top priorities and we feel as a coaching staff that with the addition of these five athletes our needs have been met," he said. "All of our incoming players have played travel ball at the highest levels gaining valuable experience and come well-coached organizations. We feel that this is a talented class and each one of them has the potential to make an impact early in their Siena career."
First signee Lauren Milligan is a speedy outfielder from Paramus Catholic High School in New Jersey. An All-League selection, she plays travel ball with the Hudson Valley Hurricanes Gold.
"Lauren will see time in the outfield right away," Lajeunesse said. "She demonstrates tremendous outfield skills and her speed gives her the ability to make difficult plays look routine. As a switch hitter, Lauren brings the dimensions of power and the short game in her offensive package. Her versatility at the plate and speed on the base paths will make her an exciting player to watch."
Catcher Emily Potere hails from Milford, Pa., where she also fills in at first base. As a junior, she hit .436 for Delaware Valley High School, leading the team to an impressive 35-6 record.

"Emily exhibits outstanding catching fundamentals and technique," Lajeunesse said. "Her ability to keep balls in front of her will allow our pitchers to throw any pitch in any situation confidently and her strong and accurate throwing arm will keep base runners honest. Offensively, she is capable of hitting for power and demonstrates the ability to drive in runs." Chelsea Stout, a native of Owasso, Ok., should also provide depth behind the plate. She helped Owasso High School reach the state playoffs last season, and plays travel ball with the Tulsa Elite Gold.
"Chelsea was brought in to add depth to the catching position, but her versatility and experience during travel and high school ball at playing other positions will get her into the line-up early," Lajeunesse said. "As a hitter, Chelsea will add depth and power to the middle of our lineup. Her experience and success against top level pitching this past year will make her an explosive player to watch."
Infielder Stephanie Viggiano has the ability to play multiple positions for the Saints. The left-handed hitter is a three-time All-League selection from Our Lady of Mercy, and a four-year letterwinner.
"Stephanie has the potential to be an impact player right away," Lajeunesse said. "She is a solid defender and we are looking for her to play various positions on the field. Offensively, as a left-handed hitter, she has a tremendous ability to put the ball in play being very difficult to strike out."
Finally, local talent Megan Volz plays for nearby Lansingburgh High School. The Troy, N.Y., native hit .511 last season, and boasts a career average of .481.
"Megan is a very versatile player who can play a number of positions defensively," Lajeunesse said. "At the plate, her ability to hit line-drives to all fields will make her a tough out for any opposing pitcher. We are looking for Megan to provide depth defensively at a number of positions."
Siena softball opens their season on Saturday in Cary, North Carolina, against Delaware State.
Siena Saints Softball