University of Massachusets Athletics
Softball Inks Four During Early Signing Period
November 24, 2003 | Softball
Nov. 24, 2003
AMHERST, Mass - University of Massachusetts head softball coach Elaine Sortino has announced that Stacy Cullington (Encinitas, Calif.), Maggie Fiex (North Kingstown, R.I.), Sarah Hurd (Warwick, R.I.) and Lauren Proctor (Redmond, Wash.) have all signed national letters of intent and will attend UMass beginning in the fall of 2004.
"These four players have added tremendous depth both academically and athletically," said Sortino. "They are each the total package and are wonderful human beings both on and off the field."
Cullington will play on the left side of the infield at either shortstop of third base. In 2003, Cullington was a first-team All-League selection and the all-around Most Valuable Player of the San Dieguito Academy. She was also a Division III All-County first-team pick. As a junior in 2002, Cullington was a second-team All-State and All-League pick. She was also the defensive MVP of the San Dieguito Academy. As a freshman, Cullington was a first team All-League and Division III pick. She also led the county in runs batted in.
"Stacy will bring additional depth to our offense," said Sortino. "She is a great hitter who is very strong. She is very adaptable and will be a solid left-side infielder for us."
Feix is a pitcher, outfielder and first baseman. As a junior in 2003, she was her team's MVP, as well as a first-team All-Division pick and second-team All-Region selection. In 2002, she was a first-team All-Division and All-State pick while leading her team to a Division I state title. She was also named the MVP of the championship tournament. As a freshman in 2001, Feix was a first-team All-Division pick and tam MVP. In three seasons, Feix has a .333 batting average with 11 doubles, two triples, five home runs and 29 RBI. On the mound, her season ERA has never been higher than 0.62 and she has fanned 347 batters in 327 innings (1.06/inning). She has also tossed 17 shutouts.
"Maggie has incredible versatility in her ability to either pitch or play infield or outfield," said Sortino. "She is a very solid hitter and is the most versatile player of the class."
Hurd is a catch and an infielder. At Warwick (R.I.) High School, she was a Division I all-star in 2003 as well as a first-team All-State and All-Division catcher. She was a member of the 2003 Rhode Island Hotshots summer team, the 2003 Pawtucket RBI all-star summer team, the 2003 Rhode Island Psychos Pony summer team and the 2001 boys baseball team at Warwick. In 2003, Hurd made the 2000 Warwick Baseball team and was the first girl to make all-stars. Hurd has also been a four-year starter on the varsity basketball team.
"Sarah has some amazing potential, but is the rawest in terms of talent," said Sortino. "She played a lot of baseball so she is getting a late start in softball. She stays on the ball very well and is going to be a fine catcher for us in the future."
Proctor is primarily a center fielder. At Redmond High School, she was a team MVP as a junior in 2003 and also earned first-team All-County accolades. In 2002, she was a first-team All-Region and All-League pick as well as the recipient of the Scholar Athlete Award. She also led her team in extra-base hits. As a freshman in 2001, Proctor was an All-League and All-County pick.
"Lauren is a strong and powerful hitter," said Sortino. "She has very good speed and gets a great jump on balls in the outfield. She is an exceptional student-athlete and will make an immediate impact for us."
