BOONE, N.C. – With a core group of seniors returning, the App State softball infield will utilize its experience this spring. Seniors
Keri White,
Caylie Kifer and
Sidney Russell anchor the infield, while sophomore
Alison Durrence and freshman
Maegan Calandra will add their talents to the group.
"This infield is pretty solid and it excites me to see what they can do after working hard for the past two and a half years," head coach
Shelly Hoerner said. "It's fun to watch them play."
White started at third base in all 56 games during her junior year and was named to the All-Sun Belt Second Team. As the leadoff hitter, she led the Mountaineers in seven categories including runs scored (38), hits (66), doubles (11), triples (2), total bases (90), stolen bases (13) and at bats (190). The third baseman posted a .347 batting average alongside a .474 slugging percentage and was a perfect 13-for-13 stealing bases.
"Keri has been a starter for three years and is our leading hitter. She has done a great job and continues to anchor our infield," Hoerner said.
At shortstop, Kifer started all 56 games for the Mountaineers last season. In 155 at bats, she put together 31 hits and scored 29 runs, with six doubles and one home run on the year. Kifer led the team with 13 sac hits, two of which coming at Georgia State to tie a single-game record.
Playing alongside Kifer is Russell at second base, who also started in every game last year for the Mountaineers. She posted 33 hits, including seven doubles, plus a home run against UNC Greensboro. Russell ended the season ranked second on the team in fielding percentage (.983) with 107 assists and 125 putouts.
"Caylie and Sidney in the middle have worked very well together and that's helped our infield. Their rapport is unreal. They're quick and turn a lot of double plays." Hoerner said. "Along with Keri, these three especially have worked on their vision of the game and that's credit to them. They've bought in to the program."
Durrence and Calandra are also part of the strong infield group. Durrence started in 36 games and made 48 appearances last season. With 101 at bats, she led the Mountaineers in three categories including slugging percentage (.604), home runs (12) and RBI (32). Durrence finished her rookie year tied for third-most home runs in a single season with 12 and ranked 10
th in slugging percentage (.604).
A native of Pembroke Pines, Fla., Calandra joins the Mountaineers after a standout career at Pembroke Pines Charter. She was named team captain and Offensive MVP as a junior and earned All-County second team honors her freshman, sophomore and junior seasons. As a senior, Calandra was named first team All-County.
