Orange Softball Signs Three

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Syracuse University softball head coach Leigh Ross announced commitments from three high school standouts on Wednesday, Nov. 15. The three athletes, Hallie Gibbs (Munster, Ind.), Rachel Helman (Miami, Fla.) and Angelica Sagnelli (Clifton Park, N.Y.), have signed National Letters of Intent to attend Syracuse University and compete for the Orange beginning in 2008.

“These signers will bring a great mix of speed, power and pitching to our team,” said Ross. “Along with these qualities, these athletes also possess a strong work ethic, positive attitude and are very determined.”

Gibbs is a solid third baseman who is consistent in making the routine plays, but also has the ability to make the difficult defensive plays. Gibbs will hit for average with the Orange and is expected to be placed in the heart of the line-up (the 3-6 spots) since she has great power potential. Gibbs career is highlighted by making the First Team Times All-Area three times from 2004-2006, the First Team All-Conference three times from 2004-2006, Second Team All-State in 2006, IHSAA Coaches’ All-District two times in 2004 and 2005, the Hoosier Diamond Rookie of the Year in 2004 and was the Munster High School Team MVP two times in 2005 and 2006.

Helman, an outfielder, will provide a left-handed bat in the Orange’s right-handed dominated line-up. Her high school career batting average was .376. Helman was named to the 2006 Florida All-State Third Team, the 2006 Herald First Team All-Dade, and the 2005 Herald Second Team All-Dade teams. She was also named the 2004 Varsity Softball Rookie of the Year.

“She plays a solid outfield and is an offensive sparkplug,” Ross said. “She has good speed and is a scoring threat once she’s on base.”

Sagnelli, a left-handed pitcher, recorded 16 victories with one loss, while compiling a 0.32 ERA, striking out 159 in 109 innings pitched. A versatile player, Sagnelli also played first base and outfield for Shenendehowa High School. In 2006, she helped lead her team to their fourth consecutive Class AA Sectional Championship. Sagnelli has been honored as a Suburban Council All-Star, Saratogian’s Athlete of the Week for the first week of May, the Troy Record’s Athlete of the Week for May 8^th and was selected for the Albany Times Union’s 2006 Dream Team.

“Angie will be a great addition to our pitching staff,” said Ross. “She has good speed and ball movement and can hit her spots effectively. She has a great work ethic and has learned from Steve Price, one of the best men's softball players in North America.”

Syracuse begins the 2007 season on February 9 in the Kajikawa Classic in Tempe, Ariz. The Orange will begin the tournament competing against UCLA.

Syracuse University Athletics

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