Nov. 29, 2009

VILLANOVA, Pa. - The Villanova softball team has inked three players to National Letters of Intent for the 2010-2011 season. Ali Lowe, Brittany Ewing and Kaity Sitzman will be eligible to play for the Wildcats beginning in the fall of 2010.

"We are very happy with the recruiting class of 2010," said head coach Maria DiBernardi. "It is another strong class and I feel confident they will help fill the void of our departing seniors. I expect them to be impact players upon their arrival to Villanova."

Lowe is a shortstop and centerfield from Wellington, Fla. At Wellington High School she is a four-year letterwinner who notched a .380 batting average in 2009. Lowe also posted a career-high for steal in a season, picking up 21 in 2009.

"Ali is a switch hitter who can slap and hit for power," said DiBernardi. "She is an outfielder with excellent speed and a great arm. She can also play infield and at shortstop. Ali will give us depth and be a potent offensive threat."

Ewing is a shortstop from Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. She was named Most Improved Player in 2007-08 and Defensive Player of the Year in 2008-09 at Palm Beach Gardens High School. Ewing ranks in the top five percent of her class for the past four years.

"Brittany is an excellent defensive player with soft hands, quick release and good range in the infield. She is a middle infielder that will help solidify our defense for the next season," DiBernardi said.

Sitzman will join Villanova as a pitcher from Tucson, Ariz. She has earned four letters at Sabino High School and has posted back-to-back 20-win seasons as a sophomore and junior. Sitzman was named 2009 Southern Arizona All-Star first team, 2009 Most Valuable Player and to the 4A I Kino first team all-region.

"Katie will be a dominate pitcher for us. I am very particular about my pitchers and Katie caught my eye the first time I saw her," DiBernardi said. "She has a variety of pitches and good command. She will solidify our pitching staff and compliment the pitchers we have now. I expect her to be a big contributor from the time she arrives on campus."