FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 27, 2007

Southern softball announces three signings in early period

Joplin, Mo. - Missouri Southern softball coach Aron Potter has announced the signings of Broken Arrow (Okla.) HS outfielder Annie Sewell, Paola (Kan.) HS outfielder Natalie Nelson and Joplin HS utility player Randi Russell to national letters of intent to attend Southern and play softball beginning in the fall of 2008.

Sewell, a 5'9 outfielder, played for coach Randall King at Broken Arrow, starting two years. She was an Academic All-Conference selection in 2007, while helping to lead the Tigers to the conference, regional and state championships in 2006 and a regional title in 2007.

A planned nursing major at Southern, Sewell is the daughter of Andy and Ronica Sewell.

Nelson, a 5'3 outfielder, played for coach Troy Collier at Paola, where she started all four years in the outfield. Last season, Nelson (pictured to the right) was a first team All-League selection and a second team All-State selection, while leading the Panthers to a sub-state title and a third place finish at the state tournament.

She hit .437 and slugged .626, while posting a .456 on base percentage. Nelson drove in 26 and stole 14 bases. Also a volleyball player at Paola, Nelson started at Libero last season, leading the team to the sub-state championship and recording 473 digs. Her sister, Stephanie, is a sophomore on the softball team at Baker University. Nelson plans to major in Nursing and is the daughter of Mark and Karen Nelson.

Russell, a four year starter for the Eagles and coach Kirk Harryman, is a 5'6 utility player. She played designated player as a freshman, center field as a sophomore, third base as a junior and was a catcher this past season.

A Class 4 All-Regional selection, she led the Eagles to the Ozark Conference title and hit .483, setting a new school record with 42 hits in 87 at bats. She drove in 30, just shy of the school record of 32 and added 11 extra base hits.

Russell plans to major in secondary education at Southern.

"We definitely noticed a need for outfielders with the graduation of three this season," Potter said. "Natalie (Nelson) will bring us great speed and agility with a great eye and could be a solid lead off hitter. Annie (Sewell) brings a great winning attitude and the ability to run  down gap shots and get an excellent read off the bat. Her ability to hit to the opposite field is also a great asset to any team. Randi (Russell) will bring great speed to our team. She has the ability to play anywhere on the field. I am very happy to bring these three young ladies to our program."