The University of Akron Athletics
Softball Completes 2008-09 Class With Three Additions
July 23 | Softball
-The University of Akron head softball coach, Julie
Jones, recently announced the addition of California native Crystal
Hernandez and local standouts Heather
Bauer and Erica Remshard to the 2008-09 roster.
"I am very excited about our complete 2008-09 class," said Jones.
"They are a well rounded group of individuals who are going to
bring a lot to our program and help put Akron softball on the
map."
Hernandez, hailing all the way from Sylmar High School in Sylmar,
Calif. is the fifth freshman added to the 2008-09 class. A dynamic
athlete, Hernandez was part of a high school team named league
champions or co-league champions all four years. She was also voted
first team All-League four times. Making a name for herself early,
Hernandez was named Freshman of the Year in 2004 when she pitched
125 innings striking out 96 batters and giving up only seven walks.
Currently, she holds the school record for lowest ERA.
"We were very excited to add Crystal to our recruiting class," said
Jones. "Crystal is a great kid with great competitive experience,
playing for one of the best summer teams in the country. We look
forward to her watching her grow on the mound and in the
infield."
Local standout Bauer comes from nearby Medina, Ohio and transfers
to Akron after one year at Wright State. A star at Highland High
School, Bauer lettered all four years as a Hornet and was a
four-time All-Suburban League selection. A stellar athlete on both
sides of the ball, Bauer hit .392 with four home runs and 24 RBI as
a senior in 2007 earning her team MVP honors. She was named
All-Region and All-District for the second time in as many years.
Also as a senior she set the single-season school record when she
struck out 250 batters. Among other records, she holds school
career records in wins with 59 and strikeouts with 713.
As a freshman at Wright State she played 41 games starting 31 of
them going 3-3 in the circle. At the plate she grabbed 13 hits
including two doubles and one home run along with 10 RBI.
"Heather is an all around athlete that we will look to add some
experience and consistency to our pitching rotation," said Jones.
"She is a hard worker and we look forward to seeing what she can do
to help solidify us on the mound."
Rounding out the class of 2008-09 is Remshard who joins the Akron
squad after spending two seasons at Cleveland State. Hailing from
Pickerington High School in Pickerington, Ohio, Remshard garnered
second team All-Ohio accolades and first team All-Conference honors
her senior year after hitting .467 while leading the team to a 21-6
overall record and a sectional title. Twice she was named the
team's best defensive player.
In two years at Cleveland State, Remshard appeared in 29 games
including 13 starts as a freshman.
"I am excited to add Erica to our line-up," said Jones. "I
recruited Erica out of high school for her overall athletic ability
and versatility. She is very versatile and can cover the middle
infield and catch. Erica hits from the left side and has good foot
speed. She will fit into our style of play very well."
The Zips open the 2009 season on Feb. 6 in Montgomery, Ala. when
they take part in the Capital City Tournament hosted by Alabama
State.
