ENMU Announces Signing of Four Softball Players during Early Signing Period last Fall

PORTALES, N.M. — Eastern New Mexico University signed four softball players to National Letters-of-Intent this past fall during the early signing period, Head Coach Armando Quiroz has announced. All of the new players will be freshmen at ENMU during the 2006-07 academic year.

ENMU is currently 24-12 this spring, including 6-2 in the Lone Star Conference South Division, but the Zias have seven seniors. With so many players graduating, the newcomers will be able to challenge for playing time next season.

The players who signed during the early signing period were Michelle (Shelly) Anderson, a 5’8” catcher and third baseman from Buena High School in Sierra Vista, Ariz.; Alexandra (Alex) Mayo Otis, a 5’5” pitcher, first baseman and outfielder from St. Mary’s High School in Phoenix, Ariz.; Casandra (Cassie) McCommons, a 5’7” third baseman and utility infielder from Sunnyside High School in Tucson, Ariz.; and Rebecca (Becca) Quinones, a 5’2” second baseman, shortstop and outfielder from Gilbert High School in Gilbert, Ariz.

Freshmen in 2006-07

Michelle (Shelly) Anderson
Catcher/Third Base, 5'8"
Sierra Vista, Arizona (Buena High School)

Anderson is playing her fourth season at Buena High School in Sierra Vista, Ariz. In 2005, she was named First Team All-Region as a catcher. She earned Honorable Mention All-Region recognition in 2004. She has competed in three sports in high school. In addition to softball, she has played three seasons of volleyball and three years of basketball. She has qualified for the Buena High School honor roll throughout her high school career.

Alexandra (Alex) Mayo Otis
Pitcher/First Base/Outfielder, 5'5"
Phoenix, Arizona (St. Mary’s High School)

Mayo Otis is in her fourth season at St. Mary’s High School in Phoenix, Ariz. She was named Second Team All-State and First Team All-Region in 2005, while helping St. Mary’s finish second in Arizona Class 5A. She hit .566 with a .708 slugging percentage during the season.

She contributed to St. Mary’s finishing first in the Desert Valley Region and ninth in the Class 5A State Playoffs in 2003. Mayo Otis also helped St. Mary’s finish second in the Desert Valley Region in 2004. In club softball, she is currently playing for the Arizona Storm Gold team. She has been to the ASA Under-18 Nationals twice with the Arizona Storm.

A talented student, Mayo Otis has taken honors classes in Algebra, Geometry, Chemistry and Spanish. She has been named to the St. Mary’s honor roll.

Casandra (Cassie) McCommons
Third Base/Utility, 5'7"
Tucson, Arizona (Sunnyside High School)

McCommons has been playing at Sunnyside High School in Tucson, Ariz., since she was a freshman. In 2004 and 2005, she was named First Team All-City. She also played basketball and golf. She was chosen Honorable Mention All-City in basketball in 2003 and 2004. In golf, she was the silver medalist at her Class 5A Regional in 2005. She was the bronze medalist at the Regional in 2004. McCommons joined the National Honor Society in 2002.

Rebecca (Becca) Quinones
Second Base/Shortstop/Outfielder, 5'2",
Gilbert, Arizona (Gilbert High School)

Quinones has been a four-year starter at Gilbert High School in Arizona. She was named First Team All-East Valley in 2004 and 2005. She earned Honorable Mention All-East Valley recognition in 2003. She will help the Zias beginning with the 2007 season as either a second baseman, shortstop or outfielder.