Dec. 2, 2008

VILLANOVA, Pa. - The Villanova softball team has signed five players to a National Letter of Intent to play for the Wildcats beginning in the 2010 season, head coach Maria DiBernardi has announced. Villanova will welcome Adrienne Drummond, Amanda Marquez, Taylor Olafson, Valerie Ortega and Julie Smith to the squad.

Drummond is a pitcher from Broomall, Pa. who is a four-year letterwinner at The Shipley School. She is a two-time second team All-Main Line selection and was named first team All-Main Line in 2008 as well as first team All-Friends League. Drummond had a .417 batting average in 2008 and was 6-0 on the mound with 75 strikeouts in 33 innings. She also played for the Blazing Angels who are coached by Mike Fegley.

"Adrienne is a dominant pitcher with good velocity and a wide variety of movement pitches," DiBernardi said. "She is a location pitcher who can hit her spots very well and will really compliment our pitching staff, as well as give us the depth that we need."

Marquez will come to Villanova Miami Palmetto Senior High in Miami, Fla., where she is a catcher. She earned four varsity letters and has been on the honor roll for four years. Marquez is a two-time first team All-County selection and was the 2008 Miami Herald Hitter of the Year. She played for Gator Rebhan on the Miami Stingrays.

"Amanda is a natural behind the plate," said DiBernardi. "She has a great arm with a quick release and can block the ball very well. She works well with her pitchers and has the ability to take charge of her defense. Amanda will be a great asset for our team."

Olafson is a native of Jacksonville, Fla. and plays outfield and second base at Bishop John Snyder High School. She was the 2008 Vallencourt Scholarship recipient. Olafson was a 2008 FHSAA Class 3A second team All-State selection and a WJXT VyStar Credit Union All Star Athlete. She was a member of the Class 3A regional champions and state final four squad and helped her team to a 2006 Class 2A district, regional and state championship. Through three years Olafson has 97 runs scored, 65 stolen bases and has a .507 on base percentage. She played for the Jacksonville Storm and head coach Jerry Sheppard.

"Taylor is a speedy left handed slapper with great bat control," DiBernardi said. She is a versatile athlete able to play both infield and outfield. Taylor will keep the defense on their toes and enable us to show a varied offensive attack when she is at the plate or on the bases."

Ortega is a shortstop at Oaks Christian High School and is a native of Ventura, Calif. She is a four-year letterwinner and was named to the first team All-League for three consecutive years. She was also named second team all-country in 2008. As a junior, Ortega hit .489 through 88 at bats, which led the league and had seven strikeouts, which was second in the county. She played for the So Cal Diamonds coached by Paul Garziano.

"Valerie is a left-handed hitter who hits for both power and average," DiBernardi said. "She has a great eye at the plate and puts up great offensive numbers. Valerie can play shortstop and third base and has good range and a strong, quick release.

Smith is a catcher and outfielder from Capistrano Beach, Calif. At Dana Hills High School she is a four-year letterwinner and a two-time All-South Coast League selection. In 2007 she led the team in batting average and on base percentage and was named offensive MVP of her team. Ortega is an AP Scholar Award winner and played for The Next Level in Calif., coached by Cathy O'Dell.

"Julie is a versatile player who brings a wealth of travel softball experience with her," DiBernardi said. "She is a catcher and outfielder with a great arm who can take command behind the plate and has a quick release. Julie is a consistent hitter who will put up good numbers throughout her collegiate career."