Jan. 21, 2010

Carley Interview | Marshall Interview | Coach Blanton Interview

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The Tigers addressed three pressing needs with the additions of Lauren Carley, Alex Marshall and Keanah Prestridge heading into the 2010 season. All three are transfers from either junior college programs or other universities who filled immediate needs that Coach Windy Thees and her staff thought needed to be addressed for the Tiger softball team.

"We are very excited to have been able to add all three players to the team for this season," said assistant coach Ashley Blanton. "They all bring experience and talent and we are really excited to see what they are able to contribute to the team this spring."

Carley, a transfer from Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, Ark., sat out the 2009 season with the Tigers due to transfer rules. The junior from Houston, Texas, will be looked to as one of Memphis' top pitchers after putting up a 21-8 record and a 1.97 ERA in 26 starts for the Lady Reddies of Henderson State as a freshman. Carley struck out 133 batters in her one season, helping Henderson State to a 39-16 record a member of the Gulf South Conference in NCAA Division II.

"Lauren (Carley) has been ready to get out and get started for awhile," Blanton said. "She had to sit last year, but she is ready to get out there and help this team out any way she can."

Carley will help supplement an already deep Memphis pitching staff that includes returnees Vanessa Walle and Janelle Valle and freshman Carly Hummel.

"The coaches have been focusing on helping me perfect my rise ball and changeup," Carley said. "They think it will help me get more strikeouts and ground balls. We really think that changing between the two speeds will prove to be an advantage. When I was at Henderson State I was mostly a rise ball and curve ball pitcher."

Prestridge, who transferred to Memphis from Seminole State College in Seminole, Okla., where she was named Third Team All-America, will be looked to help Memphis as one of the starting catchers for the 2010 season. Prestridge should help address the Tigers' problems with allowing stolen bases last season. Memphis allowed their opponents to steal 96 bases on 106 attempts in 2009. Tiger catchers allowed the most steals in Conference USA and opponents attempted to steal on Memphis catchers more than any other school in C-USA.

Prestridge should also be able to help Memphis's batting lineup in 2010. The native of Moore, Okla., hit .433 with 36 RBI and 29 runs as a sophomore. As a freshman, Prestridge hit .453 with nine home runs, 50 RBI and 67 runs scored.

"Keanah (Prestridge) has the fire and the drive that we need to have behind the plate," Blanton said. "We are excited to see what she is able to do as a defensive player and a member of our batting order this season."

Marshall, a transfer from Pima Community College in Arizona, will have to wait until the beginning of March to make an impact as an outfielder for the Tigers. The native of Tucson, Ariz., had surgery in July and has been able to participate in Memphis' batting practices so far this season.

"I just started my throwing program this week and already have been able to practice with the hitters," Marshall said. "I have been rehabing my injury since July, and I am just ready to get out there and be able to help out the team."

"Alex (Marshall) is a slap hitter and she will be able to help us fill a need as an outfielder, probably the thinnest position on our team right now." Blanton said.

Tomorrow we will fill you on the four freshmen that the Tigers have on the roster in 2010.