Softball

12/4/2009

Lander softball announces two early signings

Coach Brandon Duncan

GREENWOOD - Lander softball coach Brandon Duncan announced the signing of Arielle Buchholz and Taylor Donson to national letters of intent for the 2010-11 academic year. Buchholz, an outfielder/catcher from Naples, Fla., and Donson, a second baseman/outfielder from Sarasota, Fla., both played for the Sarasota Heat travel team and signed with the Bearcats during the NCAA's early signing period.

Buchholz earned all-state, all-conference and all-county honors at Barron Collier High School while being a member of the National Honor Society, the Marine Science Club and the National Ocean Bowl Marine Science team.

"Arielle will add depth in two key areas for us -- in the outfield and behind the plate," said Duncan. "She handles the bat very well from the left side and has good speed. She is a great fit for our program."

Donson, of Sarasota High, was her team captain during her junior and senior seasons. She was voted the top defensive player in Sarasota County her junior year and has received her team's Coach's Award three times.

"Taylor is versatile and has experience playing several positions," added Duncan. "She swings a really consistent, powerful bat and also runs the bases with good speed. Taylor is perfect for what we are looking to add to the program in 2010.

"Both of these young ladies caught my eye a few years back. I am thrilled they have chosen to be Bearcats because they had a list of schools from which to choose. They have played travel ball for one of the top coaches (Mark Dover) at the highest levels throughout the country and that experience should be invaluable to our team."