McDonald’s Ingalls among SB recruits

YOUNGSTOWN — The Youngstown State softball program has signed four recruits to national letters of intent during the early signing period to join the program for the 2011 season, said YSU coach Brian Campbell.

Joining the Penguins are pitcher Casey Crozier (Valparaiso, Ind.), designated player Sarah Ingalls (McDonald), utility player Haley Knight (Garrettsville) and shortstop/pitcher Samantha Snodgrass (South Charleston, W.Va).

“We are excited to have these four young ladies join our program,” Campbell said. “They are quality individuals as well as great players, and will make us a better team.”

Crozier, a second-team all-state selection in 2009, ranked second in the state with 259 strikeouts in the regular season and went 7-1-1 at the Gold National Tournament. She was also selected first-team all-conference in 2008 and 2009.

“Casey is one of the hardest throwing pitchers I have ever recruited,” Campbell said. “She is consistently hitting between 66-68 miles per hour. Besides a great fastball, she can throw a curveball, screwball and moves her pitches well.”

Ingalls, a three-time first-team all-conference selection, has led her prep squads in batting, home runs and walks all three years.

Last season, Ingalls was named first team All-Northeast Ohio and led Ursuline High School to the school’s first appearance in the state tournament and a Division III runner-up finish.

“Sarah is a pure and disciplined hitter,” Campbell said. “I’m excited that a talented local product decided to join our program.”

Knight, from James A. Garfield High School, is a three-year letterwinner and was named first-team all-conference three times. Last season, Knight batted .488 and went 13-3 with a 0.90 earned-run average.

“Haley is an all-around athletic player,” Campbell said. “She will probably be used as a utility player because she is so versatile.”

Snodgrass, a finalist for West Virginia Gatorade Player of the Year, is a two-time first-team all-state selection and a second-team all-state pick as a freshman.

Last season, Snodgrass batted .471 with five home runs, 10 doubles, three triples, an on-base percentage of .549 and a slugging percentage of .828. In the circle, Snodgrass went 12-2 with an earned-run average of 0.31 and 14 complete games.

“Samantha is a terrific athlete and softball player,” Campbell said. “She many tools which will help her become a successful collegiate softball player.

“She also has gained valuable experience facing the highest level of competition.”

At the 2009 Colorado Sparkler Tournament, Snodgrass was selected to the all-tournament team after batting .487 with two home runs and 10 doubles. She also went 3-0 in the circle.