Willis, Falcons Sign Seven

Bowling Green State University softball coach Sarah Willis has announced the signing of seven student-athletes to National Letters of Intent. Samantha Dees (Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.), Madison French (Waterford, Mich.), Sarah Gonzalez (Kingsburg, Calif.), Payton Hamm (Crestwood, Ky.), Olivia Riener (Woodinville, Wash.), Makinzi Sanders (Maple Valley, Wash.) and Nikki Sorgi (Shelby Township, Mich.) will join the Falcons for the 2017-18 academic year.

PHOTO GALLERY: BGSU Softball Signees *
* photos of the signees also can be viewed at the bottom of this page

Dees, a middle infielder/third baseman, is currently in her senior year at Mission Viejo H.S. In her first three seasons, she has helped the Diablos to three South Coast League championships and a pair of California Interscholastic Federation titles. The team went 27-4-0 last spring and captured the CIF Division 2 championship. Dees, an Honor Roll student, has played travel ball for OC Batbusters Lastrapes.

"Sammy is an extremely talented athlete who will make a tremendous impact on the middle infield and in the heart of the lineup," said Willis. "She has played the highest level of travel ball in the country and knows how to win. Her versatility as an athlete and competitive experience will continue to push our program to a MAC championship."

French, a pitcher, is a senior at Waterford Kettering H.S. She has earned all-conference, all-district, all-region and all-state first-team honors in each of the last two seasons for the Captains. French won 22 games in the circle as a sophomore and 24 as a junior, and at the plate, led the team in RBI each year. She hit .570 as a soph and .600 as a junior, and had an ERA of 1.25 or lower along with 200 strikeouts or more in both years. The Captains won the Kensington Lakes Activities Association (KLAA) North Division title in 2014 and the MHSAA District crown in '15.

"Madison is extremely talented in the circle," said Willis. "She is an overall athlete who knows how to command a game Madison will set a great pace for the defense to work behind as she attacks hitters at the plate. Her fighting attitude and resilient approach to the game will only make our returning pitching staff that much more competitive."

Gonzalez, a corner infielder, is in her senior year at Kingsburg H.S. An All-Central Sequoia League First-Team selection last season, she captained the Lady Vikings for the second-straight year, and also was named to the league's all-academic team. Gonzalez also earned All-CSL First-Team honors as a sophomore after being named to the second team as a freshman. In that sophomore campaign, she was named the league MVP. The Lady Vikings earned a CIF Division 3 runner-up finish in her freshman year.

"Sarah brings a strong presence and competitive edge to the 2017 recruiting class," said Willis. "Her voice and tenacity will provide strong leadership to the Falcon program. She will bring to our offense consistent power at the plate with a strong glove at either corner position. Our staff is excited for her energy and work ethic!"

Hamm, an outfielder, is a senior at Oldham County H.S., and has played on the varsity team since eighth grade. She has helped the Colonels to three district and regional championship appearances to date, and was selected to the all-region team in 2016. Hamm was also selected to the all-district tournament team in '15, and has led the team in multiple offensive and defensive categories in every year to date. An Honor Roll member in each of her first three years in high school, she was named to the National Society of High School Scholars. Hamm plays travel ball for the Static Elite Easton 98 Team.

"Payton is extremely gifted and versatile at the plate," said her future coach. "She is a true triple threat that will provide solid speed to our lineup and outfield. Payton has a true passion for the game that constantly drives her work ethic. Her drive and passion will motivate the competitive spirit of her teammates."

Riener, a pitcher, is in her senior year at Woodinville H.S. She had a 2.74 ERA last season, and hit .378 for the Falcons, with eight homers and 27 RBI in just 74 at-bats. Reiner has helped the team to a top-five finish in the state in each of her first three years, including a runner-up finish last year. She earned KingCo First-Team honors last season. A National Honor Society member, Riener plays travel ball for the Elite Diamonds 18 Gold.

"The addition of Olivia to the 2017 class will create great depth to the pitching staff," said Willis. "She is extremely crafty on the corners and does a great job keeping hitters off balance. Olivia is incredibly hard working and she will continue to grow in her depth and versatility as a pitcher over her four years as a Falcon!"

Sanders, a catcher, attends Tahoma H.S. A starter in each of her first three years, she earned all-league first-team honors last year after being named to the second team in each of her first two seasons. Sanders received the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) Sportsmanship Award at the state playoffs last season, for the second time in three years. She had a .967 fielding percentage last season and a .981 fielding pct. the previous year. In that 2014 campaign, she hit .435 as the Bears won the WIAA 4A State Championship. Sanders hit .455 as a freshman, with a .980 fielding pct. Like Reiner, Sanders plays travel ball for the Elite Diamonds 18 Gold.

"Makinzi brings a wealth of experience behind the plate," said Willis. "She is extremely versatile in her skill set as a catcher and knows how to command the defense. Her resilient demeanor will be a great addition to the bullpen as she will undoubtedly keep the speed in the MAC at bay."

Sorgi, a utility player, is in her senior year at Henry Ford II H.S. An All-State selection last year, she has earned all-region honors twice and all-district, all-county and all-league honors in each of her first three years. Sorgi helped the Falcons to district and regional titles in 2014, as that team advanced to the MHSAA final four, the first state semifinal appearance in program history. A National Honor Society member, Sorgi also is a member of the basketball team for the fourth-straight season, and has earned all-county and all-conference honors on the hardwood. She helped the basketball Falcons to a district championship last season. Nikki's older sister, Alex Sorgi, is in her sophomore year at BGSU and is a second-year member of the softball team.

"Nikki is a talented and resourceful player on the field," said Willis. "Her work ethic and love for the game is a driving force behind her success thus far and will prove motivating to our program. Nikki's versatility is invaluable to the 2017 recruiting class. She will play many roles on the field."

Willis and the Falcons begin the 2017 season on Feb. 11 at the Cleveland State University Dome Tournament, and the home opener is scheduled for April 4.

BGSU SOFTBALL SIGNEES
Samantha Dees IF Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.(Mission Viejo)
Madison French P Waterford, Mich. (Waterford Kettering)
Sarah Gonzalez 1B/3B Kingsburg, Calif. (Kingsburg)
Payton Hamm OF Crestwood, Ky. (Oldham County)
Olivia Riener P Woodinville, Wash. (Woodinville)
Makinzi Sanders C Maple Valley, Wash. (Tahoma)
Nikki Sorgi Util. Shelby Township, Mich. (Henry Ford II)