Zia Softball Adds Six More to Recruiting Class

Portales, NM – The Eastern New Mexico University Softball program has added six more signees to their 2004 recruiting class. The Zias signed four players earlier in the summer.

“We have continued to add quality players to this year’s class,” commented Zia Head Coach Kevin Blaskowski. He added, “All of these players will come in and make us better. This class is going to help us get back in the Lone Star race.”

ENMU Softball Signings

Adrienne Reyes – Junior in 2004-05
Third Baseman/Shortstop, 5’5”, El Paso, TX (El Paso Community College/Hanks HS)

Reyes was a First Team All-Conference selection in the Western Junior College Athletic Conference (WJCAC) in 2004. Statistically, she finished in the top ten in the WJCAC in the following categories – home runs (6; 3rd tied), runs scored (48; 4th) and total bases (93; 8th). She finished the 2004 season with a .328 batting average, 32 RBI, eight doubles, four triples, a .517 slugging percentage and a.517 on-base percentage in 61 games.

“A.J is an outstanding player. She will make an impact for us both offensively and defensively,” stated Blaskowski. He added, “She is a leader with a great work ethic. I look forward to seeing her play for us.”

Patricia Gonzales – Junior in 2005-05
Pitcher, 5’7”, Los Angeles, CA (Western Texas College)

Gonzales was a First Team All-Conference selection in the Western Junior College Athletic Conference (WJCAC) in 2004. She also received Honorable Mention All-WJCAC honors in 2003. Statistically, Gonzales was 10-18 with a 1.31 ERA in 2004. She pitched in 170.2 innings, recording 95 strikeouts and issuing 26 base on balls. She ranked second in the WJCAC in ERA (1.31), fourth in innings pitched (170.2) and fourth in strikeouts per game (3.89).

In 2003, Gonzales was 10-11 in the circle and she also hit five home runs and collected 17 doubles.

“Patricia is a very talented pitcher. Despite her won/loss record, she was one of the top pitchers in the WJCAC,” commented Blaskowski. He added, “She should make an impact in the circle and she can also swing the bat for us.”

Tori Picazo – Sophomore in 2004-05
Infielder/Outfielder, 5’4”, McKinney, TX (Western Texas College/McKinney HS)

Picazo was an Honorable Mention All-Conference selection in the Western Junior College Athletic Conference (WJCAC) in 2004. She led the WJCAC in batting with a .440 average. She finished tied for third in home runs (6), fourth in RBI (45) fifth in total bases (100) and sixth in doubles (16). She also scored 40 runs on the season.

“We are fortunate to get Tori with three years remaining in her career,” stated Blaskowski. He added, “She brings a lot of offense to our line-up. She is a left-handed hitter who can hit for power and average. She will be a much welcomed addition.”

Amanda Nightingale – Junior in 2004-05
Pitcher, 5’5”, Mesquite, TX (North Central Texas College/Bishop Lynch HS)

Nightingale was the 2004 Pitcher of the Year in the Northern Texas Junior College Athletic Association. She also was a First Team All Region V selection. She finished the year ranked 10th in the National Junior College Association (NJCAA) in strikeouts (1.125 per inning).

Nightingale posted a 22-6 record with a 1.11 ERA. She struck out 198 batters in 176 innings pitched.

“Amanda is very talented in the circle. She has great control and is an aggressive pitcher,” commented Blaskowski. He adds, “She will be ready to step in and give us a lot of quality innings this year.”

Elizabeth Whipkey – Freshman in 2004-05
First Baseman, 5-4, Orange, CA (Villa Park HS)

Whipkey plays ASA Gold travel ball for the Case Batbusters coached by Jim Dolan. The Case Batbusters finished 5th at the 2003 ASA Gold National Tournament. In the Fall 2003 season, Whipkey batted .329 with a .453 slugging percentage. She collected 29 RBI with six doubles and three triples.

At Villa Park HS, Whipkey collected First Team All-Century League honors in 2003. She is also an Athletic Scholar recipient.

“Elizabeth has the potential to be a very solid player for us,” stated Blaskowski. She played in one of the top ASA Gold programs in the country and she knows how to win. She will bring a lot of pop to our line-up.”

Christina Helland – Freshman in 2004-05
Infielder, 5-2, Rio Rancho, NM (Rio Rancho HS)

Helland was voted the Team MVP at Rio Rancho HS in 2004. She was a three-time All-District selection and a four-time All-Academic selection. She received the New Mexico Scholar Award.

She was a member of the 2003 New Mexico 5A State Champions and she is the career home run leader at Rio Rancho HS. She also played for the New Mexico Sundancers, an ASA summer program.

Statistically, Helland batted .500 with a .590 on-base percentage for the 2004 high school season. She collected 25 RBI and scored 22 runs.

“Christina will be a key member of our program. She is versatile and can play anywhere on the field,” commented Blaskowski. He added, “She will make a position for herself by swinging the bat they way she can. She can create a lot of offense and that is what we need.”