Cumpian signs four to Tarleton softball program

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TarletonSports.com

STEPHENVILLE (July 8, 2016) – Less than two months after taking over the Tarleton Softball program, Mark Cumpian has made his first recruit announcement as head coach by signing four players to National Letters of Intent.

“I am very excited to add all four of these young ladies for next year,” said Cumpian. “Just like our other signees, they come from solid select teams and high school programs, where they have learned the game and been instilled with good values. They know what it takes to win and compete at a high level.

“There is no doubt in my mind that they will be vital to our success next year and for the future of Tarleton Softball,” he added.

This group brings the TexAnn Softball signing class to nine, heading into Cumpian’s debut season as the head coach. The four latest additions will join Meghann Wrinkle, Robyn Gajdica, Morgan Ling, Elizabeth Schiele, and Jordan Withrow as the newest TexAnns heading into the fall of 2016.

Here’s a look at the four newest TexAnn Softball recruits:

Megan Durante | C/IF | Denton, Texas | North Central Texas College

Megan Durante

Durante is set to join TexAnn Softball after a stellar two-year playing career at North Central Texas College.

“Megan is going to fit in well with our system,” said Cumpian. “She is a sure-handed infielder, solid behind the plate, and a very talented hitter that can barrel up a ball. I see big things coming from Megan right away and I am very excited about her playing for the Purple and White.”

A native of Denton, Durante played in 114 games during her stint at NCTC and hit .356 in nearly 350 at bats. She belted 24 doubles in her junior college career to go along with two triples and three home runs while driving in 70 RBIs. As a senior, she earned first-team all-conference and all-region status in addition to Academic All-American honors for her work in the classroom.

“I chose Tarleton because when I was looking for a university, I wanted a feeling of ‘home’ while being coached under a competitive atmosphere,” said Durante. “Tarleton provided both. I know I will be pushed to my fullest potential in the classroom and on the softball field. I am excited for the challenge.”

Kayleigh Williams | P | Georgetown, Texas | McLennan Community College

Kayleigh Williams

Williams joins the pitching staff of Tarleton after winning 20 games in the circle for McLennan Community College last year.

“Kayleigh is a very solid pitcher that can really command the zone,” said Cumpian. “She has a dominating demeanor on the mound, which is everything you want from a pitcher. She is going to throw strikes and get outs, which will really help us in conference play. Kayleigh comes from a very talented junior college program, where she led them to the national tournament last season.

Williams is coming off a first-team all-conference and second-team all-region award-winning season in the circle. She boasted a 2.42 earned run average in 182 innings, over which she struck out 178 batters. She also hit .357 at the dish with five doubles, a home run, and 20 RBIs.

“I chose Tarleton because of the school’s small-town atmosphere and it’s traditions,” said Williams.

Marisa Flores | IF | Keller, Texas | McLennan Community College

Marisa Flores

Flores comes to Tarleton along side her junior college teammate, Williams, after leading McLennan Community College to the national tournament last season.

“Marisa is a very fundamentally sound athlete, who will find a way to get things done both offensively and defensively,” said Cumpian. “She comes from a good junior college program and there is no doubt in my mind that she will have a huge impact in our success.”

Flores played in 110 games for MCC over the last two years, improving her batting average from a .353 mark as a freshman to .413 in her sophomore campaign. She belted 32 career doubles, five triples, and drove in 56 RBIs. She was twice a first-team all-conference selection, including an all-region award winner in her freshman season. She was an academic all-conference selection last year.

“I’ve heard so many great things about Tarleton, but knowing I will get to play with some old teammates again led me to my decision.”

Maddie Quintanar | OF | Denton, Texas | Denton Ryan High School

Maddie Quintanar

Quintanar is the lone high school signee of this recent signing class as she is set to roam the outfield of the Tarleton Softball Complex following a four-year standout career for Denton Ryan High School.

“Maddie is a very fast athlete who can play the outfield very well,” said Cumpian. “She has the speed we needed to add to our team and I see her making an impact on both sides of the ball.”

In addition to being a three-time academic all-district selection, Quintanar was a three-time first-team all-district selection before earning second-team honors as a senior. She was also a two-time all-area selection.

“I chose Tarleton because I felt like it was somewhere I could grow, not only as a softball player, but as an individual as well,” said Quintanar.

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