Dec. 6, 2004
Chicago, Ill. - University of Illinois at Chicago Co-Head Softball Coaches Tom Gray and Sarah O'Malley-Fisher formally announced on Monday morning that pitchers Kelly Cross (Rancho Mirage, Calif.) and Sarah Clynes (St. Louis, Mo.), as well as first baseman/outfielder Melissa Marinacci (Yorba Linda, Calif.) have signed National Letters of Intent to play for the Flames in 2006.
Cross is a prep standout at Palm Desert High School in Indio, Calif.
Preparing for her senior campaign, Cross is already a two-time Desert Valley League MVP and All-California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) First Team honoree.
She has garnered a national travel softball championship during her playing career, taking home the 2003 crown as the top starter for the Orange County Batbusters squad.
"Kelly is a hard working pitcher who will solidify our staff," Gray said. "She has consistently excelled in championship play.
"She possesses great command of her pitches and is also able to overpower batters," Gray continued. "We expect great things from her."
Clynes is an All-State and All-Metro Conference pitcher at St. Joseph's Academy in St. Louis, Mo, where she posted a miniscule 0.33 ERA and fanned 175 batters during her fall 2004 season.
She also has competed for the St. Louis Chaos travel team, which placed second at the 2003 under-16 national championships.
"Sarah is a versatile player who can contribute both offensively and defensively," O'Malley-Fisher said. "Her heart and passion for the game will be a huge asset to our program."
Marinacci plays for Esperanza High School and the Southern California Athletics travel team.
In 2003, as the lead-off hitter for the Orange County Batbusters, Marinacci batted over .400 in helping lead her team to the under-16 national title.
"Melissa is a five-tool player who we feel will make an immediate impact," Gray said. "In addition to being extremely talented, she brings a great work ethic to the field.
"Her positive attitude is contagious."
The 2005 Flames, the reigning Horizon League regular-season and tournament champions, open play on Feb. 18th at the Georgia Southern Tournament versus Tennessee at 1:00 p.m.
