photo courtesy of Mark Campbell

NEWARK, Del. -- UD softball head coach B.J. Ferguson has announced the signing of six recruits who will attend the University of Delaware and begin competing for the Blue Hens during the 2010 season.

Incoming freshmen Alexa Baldasare, Beth DeSalvo, Gina Knutson, Alberta Lake, Jennifer Richards, and Emily Wilcox comprise the Class of 2013 and will begin attending Delaware in the fall.

Baldasare, a native of Sayreville, N.J. (Sayreville War Memorial High School), is a right-handed pitcher who can also play first base for the Blue Hens. She went 18-11 with a 1.83 earned run average last summer for the New Jersey Breakers.

“We are looking forward to having Lex as part of our pitching staff next year,” Ferguson said. “She has sound fundamentals and will enhance the team’s depth in the circle, particularly in short relief.”

Beth DeSalvo, a native of Ringoes, N.J. (Hunterdon Central High School), is the sister of current Blue Hen senior Katie DeSalvo. Beth, an outfielder and utility player, led Hunterdon Central to a 26-2 record last spring, as the team won the Skyland Conference and Hunterdon/Warren Championships. She will play this summer for the East Coast Elite Gold.

“Beth is a versatile athlete who will primarily add additional depth to our outfield; however, she will most certainly be utilized in other defensive areas as necessitated,” Ferguson stated.

Knutson, an Elmhurst, Ill. native (York Community High School), was an all-conference selection who was named the Top Defensive Player of DuPage County last year. She batted .433 with eight home runs, 29 RBI, 45 hits, and a .731 slugging percentage. Knutson will play for the Homer Hawks 18U Gold this summer.

“I am looking forward to having Gina join our team as a strong catcher/utility player who has the potential to have an immediate impact as a freshman,” Ferguson remarked.

Lake, a native of Endicott, N.Y. (Union Endicott High School), was a first team all-conference and Rookie of the Year selection last season when she posted a 1.1 ERA and 80 strikeouts in 51 innings pitched. Lake also started at shortstop and batted .350 in 48 games last summer for the Conklin Raiders, who went 32-13-3.

“We are thrilled that Bertie has made the commitment to attend UD in the fall to provide depth in the infield and long ball potential offensively,” Ferguson said.

Richards, a Trabuco Canyon, Calif. native (Mission Viejo High School), batted .320 last season while earning first team all-league honors. She started for a Mission Viejo team that went 23-7-1, finished first in its league, and ranked ninth in Orange County. Richards batted .390 for the 18 Gold Desperados last summer.

“Jenny is a talented outfielder who will provide speed and additional depth defensively, and will enhance our lineup from the left side of the plate,” Ferguson stated.

Wilcox, a native of Johnston, R.I. (St. Raphael Academy), was an all-state honorable mention and all-area selection in 2008. Last summer she batted .359 for the R.I. Thunder Gold, which was ranked No. 1 in the Northeast.

“I am pleased to have Emily become a member of our program here at Delaware,” Ferguson said. “She is an exceptional third base player with the ability to impact our defensive play immediately.”

“The collective abilities of this large incoming freshman class will challenge our returning players from the very first day of practice next fall,” Ferguson remarked. “I look forward to the opportunity of working with each of them as they meld with returning letterwinners in moving our program in a very positive direction.”