Finlandia Softball Inks 11 Recruits

Hancock, MI. – Listed below are the eleven new student-athletes that are attending Finlandia and playing softball this year according to head coach Shawn Hendrickson. This list includes a brief player profile of each new recruit.

Ashley Benevidez- Freshman – Phoenix, AZ – Alhambra HS. Ashley is a speedy, left handed hitting outfielder who fills two needs for the Lions: her ability to cover a ton of ground in the outfield will make the team better defensively along with her ability to slap hit. Her speed on the base paths will also be a huge asset for the team.

Rachelle Cable- Freshman- Gunnison, CO- Gunnison HS Rachelle will catch and play the corners for us. Rachelle is a power hitter who drives the ball extremely well that will sit in the middle of the line-up for us. Rachelle is exceptionally mentally tough, playing three games in our fall ball tourney with a torn tendon in her catching hand.

Maci Dyer- Freshman- Madison, VA- Madison County HS. Maci will pitch and cover the corners for us. Her intense drive to be the very best will make not only her, but everyone around her better. Maci throws a phenomenal change-up and has a very nice fastball. She has a very good bat that will add to our line up.

Brittany Garland- Junior- Long Beach,CA- Brittany is a transfer from Harbor CC in California. Brittany will pitch for us; she throws seven different pitches all just as good as the rest. Her fastball comes in the low to mid 60\’s. She will catch when she isn\’t on the mound. She is an exceptional hitter, racking up eleven home runs last season. She has a natural instinct for the game that allows her to be an effective coach on the field.

Brianna Gutierrez- Freshman- San Antonio, TX- Karen Wagner HS Brianna will pitch and play first base for us this year. Brianna has an innate love for the game that is clearly evident in her play. Her desire and determination will add much to this team.

Shannon Miller-Sophomore- Banks, OR- Banks HS-This is Shannon\’s second visit to Finlandia, having taken last year off. Her freshman year she was named to the Second Team All-Independent Team as a second baseman. Shannon will and can play multiple positions and her grit and determination make her an extremely valuable asset.

Kayla Sax- Junior- Los Angeles, CA- Transfer from Harbor CC. Kayla is so athletically gifted that she can quite successfully play any position in the infield, she will see the most time at shortstop and second base. Kayla has a remarkably quick bat, hitting seventeen homes runs last year with a .375 batting average.

India Slayback- Freshman- Belle Center, OH- Benjamin Logan HS India will man centerfield for us this year. India has quick feet and an exceptional eye for the ball, which makes her a magnet in the outfield. She is an exceptional, instinctive place hitter that consistently hits exactly where is needed. She has that natural instinct that can\’t be taught..

Kelsey Williams- Junior- Hopkins, MI- Kelsey is a transfer student from Defiance University. Kelsey will fill the first base position for us. Kelsey has a tremendous work ethic and has one of the best attitudes imaginable. Kelsey is a leader both athletically and academically. We are very excited to have Kelsey on our team.

Lindsey Clark- Freshman- Mims, FL- Titusville HS Lindsey will play second, third and some outfield for us. She is very fast, and with her speed she will be a valuable asset on the bases and be able to cover a lot of ground in the outfield.

Alex Lindbloom- Freshman- Hailey, ID- Transfer from Hesson College Alex will catch for us and is a utility player; she is very versatile with the ability to play mostly any position. She had a .400 batting average and eight home runs in her senior season. She has the innate ability to capitalize on opposing pitchers mistakes.