Jan. 26, 2010

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Brown Interview | Mascarenas Interview | Coach Roessner Interview

By Preston McClellan, Undergraduate Intern

Recruiting is the lifeline of any college athletic program, and with the addition of a strong group of freshmen this season, the University of Memphis Softball team is looking to reach new heights.

Four freshmen join the team for the 2010 campaign: Shanna Brown (Cortlandt Manor, N.Y.), Carly Hummel (Bakersfield, Calif.), Cheyenne Mascarenas (Garden Grove, Calif.), and Morgan Mosby (Hernando, Miss.).

Hummel was a standout during her prep career at Ridgeview High School, lettering for three years at pitcher and shortstop before injury forced her to miss her entire senior season. She was a three time all-league selection and has had 18 career no hitters. Hummel finished her junior season with a 17-6 record, a .42 ERA, and 334 strikeouts.

"Carly brings incredible speed with her pitching to this team," said assistant head coach Killian Roessner. "I think she's going to make a big impact."

Brown started playing varsity softball in the eighth grade at Hendrick Hudson High School and lettered for five seasons. She hit .393 as a senior and finished her career with a .388 average, seven home runs, 67 RBI, and 11 runs scored. Brown was also a four time Journal News All-Star Honorable Mention and was a member of three-straight league championship winning squads.

"Shanna really came in and surprised us in the fall," said coach Roessner. "She's been hitting it really well, and I can't wait to see what she can do on the field."

Mascarenas was a four-year letterwinner at Pacifica High School in Garden Groce, Calif. She entered her senior season with a batting average of .364 and nine home runs and was elected the 2009 team captain. She led her team as a senior in 2009 to the league championship and ended the season as a Southern Section CIF quarterfinalist.

Mosby, from nearby Hernando, Miss., was an all-state selection as a junior and senior. Mosby is a four-time letterwinner at SBEC in Southaven, Miss., and was named the Commercial Appeal's Best of Preps Private School Female Athlete of the Year in 2009. She finished the 2008 season with a 17-6 record in the circle with 182 strikeouts, while hitting .610.