“I truly believe this class is one of the most talented offensive groups we have signed,” Blaskowski said. “Renee (Erwin), Allie (Cranfill) and Taylor (Sullins) all have the potential to put up big power numbers at the plate and will be key contributors, immediately. Jessica (McClasky) is a true table-setter and is one of the best two-hole hitters I have seen in a long time. Plus, all four of these young ladies are very talented defensive players. I could not be more excited than I am about adding these four young ladies to our program.”
At Anna HS, Erwin was named the 2010 District 10-3A Offensive Player of the Year as she posted a .590 batting average, hit eight home runs, collected 32 RBI and stole 15 bases. After completion of her high school season, Erwin continued her offensive assault during the travel-ball season as she hit 23 home runs, amassed 52 RBI and collected 26 stolen bases playing for the Texas Elite Gold, coached by Don Mongillo. Erwin has been selected as her high school teams’ MVP three times and has also been a two-time first team all-Texhomaland selection. She was also chosen the Freshman of the Year in District 13-2A.
“Renee is one of the most talented softball players I have seen play during my coaching career,” Blaskowski said. “She is the total package. She hits for power and has great speed offensively. Defensively, she can play any position on the field. She reads the ball well off the bat and has a great arm. She will see time at third base and catcher as freshman and could play center field later in her career. I believe she has the ability and determination to be an excellent collegiate softball player. But above all of that, she loves playing the game.”
Sullins helped lead her West HS team to a runner-up finish at the 2009 UIL 3A championships. Sullins was named to the UIL 3A all-Tournament team and also received First team UIL 3A all-State recognition as an outfielder. Her .455 batting average, along with four home runs, eight triples, 12 doubles and 38 RBI led to her also receiving first team all-CenTex honors. She is a three-time Academic all-District selection and she has received all-District softball honors twice. Sullins played travel softball as a member of the American Freedom Gold organization and she was coached by Randall Trout.
“Taylor is an outstanding offensive player that can hit for power and average,” commented Blaskowski. “We have to replace an all-American in right field and I believe Taylor has the skills to step in and be a quality contributor for us in our lineup. Defensively, she possesses great instincts to the ball and has a very strong arm. I truly believe she will develop into a great player for us during her career.”
Cranfill has been named the District 9-4A Offensive MVP in her sophomore and junior seasons at Centennial HS. The power-hitting first baseman hit 10 home runs as a junior to finish third in the district and led the district with 11 home runs as a sophomore. As a junior, she collected 21 RBI and posted a league leading .411 batting average. The two-time first-team all-District selection also received Newcomer of the Year honors as a freshman. She is a member of the Texas Elite Gold organization and is coached by NFCA Hall of Famer, Dianne Baker. This past year, Cranfill hit .444 with four home runs for the Elite.
“Allie is one of the strongest hitters I have had the opportunity to recruit,” commented Blaskowski. “She definitely has home run pop, but can hit to all fields with power. She is a very disciplined hitter who hardly ever gets cheated at the plate. Defensively, she has the ability to play both corners, but we will use her mainly as a first baseman and designated player. We will figure out a way to get her bat in our line-up. She has the potential to be one of the most prolific hitters not only in our program but conference as well.”
McClasky is the table-setter of this years Lady Buff recruiting class. As a junior at Keller HS, she posted an impressive .424 batting average and collected 19 RBI. She has received all district honors and academic all-District honors in one of the top districts (District 5-5A) in the state of Texas. She is a member of the Texas TFS Gold travel organization, which is coached by her father, Jeff McClasky. For TFS, McClasky posted a .407 batting average and a very impressive .582 on-base percentage. She collected 35 RBI and stole 29 bases. Defensively as a middle infielder, she posted a .992 fielding percentage.
“Jess is one of the most talented two-hole hitters I have seen,” stated Blaskowski. “She possesses very solid short game skills to move runs and get on base and she also has the ability to drive runners in as a power slapper. Defensively, she is going to help us at a number of positions. She can play three infield spots and also could play in the outfield if we need her to. She is going to have a solid career for us and should be a catalyst at the top of our line-up.”
The Lady Buffs will open their 2011 season on February 11, when they face Texas Woman’s at the ACU Invitational, in Abilene, Texas.
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