University of Massachusets Athletics
Softball Inks Five During Early Signing Period
November 17, 2004 | Softball
Nov. 17, 2004
AMHERST, Mass. -- University of Massachusetts softball head coach Elaine Sortino has announced the signing of Brandice Balschmiter, Davina Hernandez, Whitney Mollica, Samantha Salato and Emily Wehr to national letters of intent. The quintet will all be enrolled in the University beginning next fall and be members of the 2006 UMass Softball team.
"This is one of the finest classes that we have ever brought in," said Sortino. They are all exceptionally talented athletes and I look forward to working with each of them and watching them continue to develop their skills. All five of them have a variety of strengths and will be able to make an immediate impact for us next season."
Balschmiter is a native of Newark, N.Y., and is in her senior year at Newark High School. The 6-2 pitcher has lettered for four years in softball and led her team to the 2003 New York State Class B Softball championship. She was a 2004 section V Tournament Most Valuable Player and a 2004 first-team All-Sate pick.
"Brandice can throw at a high speed," said Sortino. "She is working on her ball movement now and will be a great asset to our pitching staff."
Hernandez is a middle infielder and an outfielder from Bristol, Conn. As a junior, she batted .390 with five doubles, three triples and 21 RBI while playing flawless defense at shortstop. Hernandez is a two-time All-Conference pick and was a honorable mention All-State selection last year.
"Davina has great talent," said Sortino. "She has the quickness and strength to compete at a high level"
Mollica is an infielder from Windham, N.H., and the granddaughter of Don Zimmer. She was a Class L All-State player as a junior last season for Salem High School, which has won six of the last seven state titles. Mollica has compiled a .462 high school average with five home runs and 66 RBI. She has scored 71 runs, has 16 doubles as well as six triples. Mollica is a two-time member of the "Who's Who In High School Sports," and is also a three-time Lawrence Eagle Tribune first-team All-Star.
"Whitney is going to be a prolific hitter for us," said Sortino. She has unbelievable power and a cannon for an arm at the corners."
Salato is a shortstop from Toms River, N.J. She had her best offensive season as a junior last year at Toms River North with a .405 batting average, seven home runs and 14 RBI. In three years, Salato has compiled a .396 average, 12 home runs, 16 doubles and 51 RBI. She is a three-time Ocean County Observer All-County first team member and an Asbury Park Press All-Shore team pick. Last year, she she was named to the Associated Press's 2004 New Jersey All-State third team.
"Samantha is a strong, powerful hitter," said Sortino. She has great versatility and will be a threat both offensively and defensively for us."
Rounding out the class is Emily Wehr, a corner infielder and catcher from Marietta, Ga. She batted .459 in 2003 and had an on-base percentage of greater than .500. She was named Best Offense for the past three years and has been a 2001 and 2002 All-County honorable mention pick. She was also named to the second-team All-County in 2003 and 2004.
"Emily is an extremely strong ball player," said Sortino. She is very smart and looking forward to the opportunity to play for us. She is going to be great whether it is behind the plate or at one of the corner infield positions."
