Nov. 17, 2009

CANYON, Texas - West Texas A&M University softball coach Kevin Blaskowski has announced the signing of three student-athletes to National Letters of Intent. Alyssa Lemos (Grapevine, Texas, HS), Haley Colwell (Sadler, Texas, S&S Consolidated HS) and Chloe Wurst (LaVerne, Calif., Bonita HS) will join the Lady Buff Softball program for the 2010 season.

"We had to fill some specific needs in this class and I feel like we have done a great job of doing that," Blaskowski said. "Adding one of the top shortstops in the state in Alyssa (Lemos) and a true speed threat in Haley (Colwell) will bolster our defense and offense, while adding a lefty power pitcher like Chloe (Wurst) will solidify our pitching staff.  The signing of this class is a major step in taking WT Softball to the next level."

As a shortstop, Lemos was named the District 5-5A Defensive Player of the Year and led her team to a Bi-District championship in her junior year. Also in that year, the two-time all-District selection led District 5-5A in runs scored.   The three-time letter winner was named team MVP her junior and sophomore years. Lemos has set single-season school records in runs scored and base on balls. She also plays travel softball for the Batbuster organization of Fort Worth, Texas.

"Alyssa is a very special young lady on and off the softball field," Blaskowski said. "I have been watching her play for a couple of years and she has always stood out as not only a talented player, but also a team leader.  I believe she has the ability and determination to be an excellent collegiate softball player.  But above all of that, what she brings to our program is a lot of character and strength that will have a positive effect on everyone."

In the outfield, Colwell has lettered each of the last three seasons at S&S Consolidated High School where her team has won three consecutive regional championships. As a sophomore, Colwell led her team to a state runner-up finish as well as being named an All-State shortstop as she posted a .667 batting average on the season. The three-year letter-winner has received all-Texhoma Land honors three times and plays travel ball for the Texas Glory organization of McKinney, Texas. 

"Haley will be a true triple-threat in our offensive line up," Blaskowski said. "She is fast and she can use both the short game and long ball, along with being a threat in base stealing. She will bring a great speed dimension to our line up. Defensively, there will not be much that will drop around her in the outfield, either.  She will be a very exciting player for fans to watch for four years."

On the mound, Wurst received first team all-Miramonte League honors and was named team MVP at Bonita High School as a junior. She posted an 11-5 record with a 0.59 ERA as she led her team to a 20-6 record. She struck out 170 batters while walking only 24 in 117 innings pitched. Wurst has received All-San Gabriel Valley and All-Inland Valley honors. In travel ball, Wurst is a member of the Team Smith Gold organization. 

"Chloe is a very talented pitcher who has a high level of energy in the circle," Blaskowski said. "She has the potential to be a very strong power pitcher who can change speeds very well. The fact that she is left-handed is also a major plus, as we do not have many lefties in the LSC. I am expecting a lot of strong outings from Chloe over her career as a Lady Buff."

The Lady Buffs will open their 2010 season on February 4^th when they face East Central at the St. Mary's Classic in San Antonio, Texas.