Softball adds quality pitchers for 2014 season

St. Louis- Fontbonne University softball has added two very qualified pitchers for the 2014 playing season. Coaches Bill Rosner and Mike Akers have been watching both for several years. The winners of the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Tournament for the last four years will look to these freshmen to lead them to another National Tournament Spotlight.

Shelby Faulkner (Eureka, Mo./Eureka HS) will take to the mound as a true freshman. Rosner said, Faulkner, a left-handed pitcher, has the ability to move the ball well on both sides of the plate. Her changes of speed increase her threat on the mound as well. "We've needed a left-handed pitcher for a while and we have a good one. She is a quick learner and will work well with her new pitching coach Randi Davis. We're excited to have her and look for her to contribute to our program early and often.  Shelby is also an outstanding student and her work habits are top notch so in the classroom she'll lead as well", comments Rosner.

Michelle Boyer (St. Louis, Mo./Mehlville HS) enters her first season with the Griffins as a true freshman.  Boyer is a right-handed pitcher. Coach Rosner is excited about Boyer's decision stating, "She just gets hitters out. She is a pitch to contact pitcher that has a super drop and change.  She works both sides of the plate well and if she can stay down in the zone she is going to find a lot of happiness.  We have a defense that makes plays and Michelle throws a bunch of ground balls.  She works quick and has a solid mound presence".

Boyer should be more confident than most freshman beginning their college career, since she's been receiving pitching advice from Coach Davis throughout her career and has faced numerous tough hitters already.  Rosner comments, "Just getting more quality time to throw is all Michelle needs to earn a spot in our rotation and she isn't afraid to do the work.  She is a good student with good work habits so she'll help us in the classroom with her GPA.  She carries a smile on her face and it's contagious, we look for a good year from her".

Confidence will grow for the freshmen, especially with the strong Griffin defense behind them. Boyer and Faulkner will receive their first glimpse of college softball during the Griffins' 11th Annual Reverse Exposure Tournament. Fontbonne plays three games on Sunday, September 22nd at 10AM,12PM and 2PM at Forestwood Park.