Softball Seniors Drafted By LPFA Tour

NORMAN, Okla. -- The entire senior class of the No. 8 Oklahoma softball team was drafted in the 2005 LPFA Tour Senior Class Draft last week. Christina Enea, Kami Keiter, Jessica Leslie and Heather Scaglione will have the option of playing for the fledgling organization when their collegiate careers are complete.

“This is another great opportunity for our senior class to continue their softball careers and serve as ambassadors of this sport,” said OU head coach Patty Gasso. “These individuals have led this team for four years and I have no doubt they will do the same on the professional level.”

Entire LPFA Draft | LPFA Tour Web Site

The top 27 collegiate seniors were selected in the 2005 LPFA Tour College Senior Draft.

Each player included in the LPFA Tour inaugural draft “has had tremendous success over their college career and will fit in very nicely with our business strategy”, said Tom McCarthy, President and CEO. “I want to thank our network of scouts who worked tirelessly evaluating these players and communicating with their college coaches and sports information directors” continued McCarthy.

The LPFA Tour festival weekend brings the world's best professional fastpitch softball players together with amateur communities across the United States. During each festival weekend players, coaches and staff will incorporate youth and coach instruction, player mentoring and corporate endorsement into their schedule of games.

Keiter was the first Sooner off the board with the second pick in the draft. The LPFA said of Keiter, who was picked after No. 1 selection Jamie Southern, that her, “distinguished pitching career starts with command of the strike zone.”

Next to go was Scaglione as the No. 8 pick. The LPFA praised the San Diego native as the, “best defensive catcher with power at the plate.” Enea was picked at No. 19 as was described as a, “pure hitter.”

Leslie was the final Sooner taken at No. 27 and was characterized as a player who, “excels at all facets of the game.”

Keiter (Akron Racers), Scaglione (NY/NJ Juggernauts) and Enea (Chicago Bandits) were also drafted by the National Pro Fastpitch league in January. The trio of players will have the option of playing for one of the two leagues.

As was the case in the NPF draft, OU led all schools in players drafted. The only school with multiple players taken was the University of Michigan, who had Jessica Merchant and Nicole Motycka selected.

The LPFA Tour has announced a four city partnerships committed to hosting an Inaugural LPFA Tour Festival Weekend. The dates and Cities announced were: May 26-29 Richmond, Virginia; June 2-5 Prescott, Arizona; June 16-19 Portland, Oregon and July 25-26 Davie, Florida.

2004 Olympians Lisa Fernandez, Laura Berg, Stacy Nuveman and Jessica Mendoza have also signed on to play. Fernandez has been the key figure in the formation of the league. Additionally, former Olympic hero Dr. Dot Richardson will serve as the Executive Director.

After spending spring break in California the No. 8 Oklahoma softball team (31-5) will showcase its skills in Tulsa and Norman this week. The Sooners begin action with a Wednesday night game at Tulsa (18-18). The contest, which has been incorrectly publicized as being scheduled for March 22, will begin at 7 p.m. at the Donna J. Hardesty Sports Complex.

Over Easter weekend the Sooners welcome Iowa State (9-13) to the OU Softball Complex. The Cyclones will be in town for a two-game set beginning Friday at 6 p.m. and concluding at noon on Saturday.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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