Athletic Report
May 23, 2001

EASTERN NEW MEXICO SOFTBALL TEAM SIGNS THREE PLAYERS FOR 2001-02
PORTALES, NM — Kathleen Rodriguez and James Rodriguez, co-head softball coaches at Eastern New Mexico University, have announced the signing of three high school seniors to National Letters of Intent. The student-athletes are catcher Kimberly Barajas (Alamogordo, NM/Alamogordo H.S.), outfielder and pitcher Sarah Ramirez (San Antonio, TX/Providence H.S.), and shortstop Karah Williams (Albuquerque, NM/Eldorado H.S.).

Ramirez signed during the early signing period last fall. Barajas and Williams signed with the Zias this spring.

ENMU SOFTBALL SIGNINGS
Kimberly Barajas [Bar-AH-hoss]
Catcher, 5’7”, Alamogordo, NM (Alamogordo High School)
Barajas will be a freshman during the 2001-02 academic year.

“Kim has a strong arm and a good bat, and comes from a solid high school program,” James Rodriguez said. “She will work hard to win a starting position.”

Sarah Ramirez [Ruh-MEER-ez]
Oufielder/Pitcher, 5’7”, San Antonio, TX (Providence High School)
Ramirez will be a freshman during the 2001-02 academic year.

“Sarah has an excellent bat and adds some extra speed to the Zia roster,” James said. She can play all three outfield positions.”

Karah Williams [CARE-uh]
Shortstop, 5’5”, Albuquerque, NM (Eldorado High School)
Williams will be a freshman during the 2001-02 academic year.

“Karah is a strong player on offense as well as with her glove,” James noted. “She will work out at third base, shortstop and second base, while trying to move herself into the starting lineup.”

Kathleen and James Rodriguez plan to sign several additional players before the fall semester begins to complete the recruiting class. Barajas, Ramirez and Williams will join the Zias for the 2001-02 academic year.

The ENMU softball team, in just its fifth season of existence, qualified for the 2001 NCAA Division II National Tournament and won the South Central Regional to advance to the National Finals in Salem, Va. The Zias tied for 5th place in the nation. ENMU’s losses at the National Finals were to the University of Nebraska-Omaha, which won the national title, and to Lewis University, the national runner-up. The Zias concluded the year with a 38-14-1 overall record. ENMU also won its first ever Lone Star Conference South Division title and placed second at the LSC Tournament.