GRAND JUNCTION, colo.-Colorado Mesa University released their 2013 Softball recruiting class Tuesday afternoon, signing five players during the early signing period.

“This is a great group of freshman who will bring great attitudes, hard-working mentalities and softball skills that will impact our program,” said Head Coach Candace Abrams. “This class is not only strong academically but ready to compete at this level, I am excited to have these young ladies as part of the Maverick family.”

Player-by-player:
Mariaha O'Dell- From Grand Junction, CO… Daughter of Brian and Jody O'Dell…Plays both middle infield and outfield and is one of two local girls…O'Dell played at Fruita Monument High School, and was the only player from FMHS to be selected to the Colorado High School All-State Team… Her older brother attends CMU…O'Dell plays for Colorado Pony Express… Has a 3.6 GPA. Major is undecided.

Coach Abrams:
“Mariaha is a big hitter who has a lot of power. She brings a great attitude and good instincts for the game. She will make an impact both offensively and defensively for us.”

Jo Bolyard- From Lafayette, CO…Daughter of Karen Bolyard… Jo is a pitcher who can also play the corners…Selected to the Colorado High School All-State Team. ..A two-time Player of the Week honoree…. Two sisters, Lindsay, and Hayley who is a catcher at Fort Lewis College…Jo plays for Colorado Next Level… Attends Peak to Peak Charter school and carries a 3.9 GPA…Interested in studying Anthropology and Forensics.

Coach Abrams:
“Jo has great command in the circle and throws with authority, power and movement. She will be a great addition to the pitching family. She brings passion and a desire to win and compete. Jo has the potential to be a great pitcher that not only throws hard but moves as well.”

Karissa Nickeson- From Bakersfield, CA…Daughter of Todd and Cheryl Nickeson… A catcher and first baseman… Made All-Area High School team…Plays for Players Edge Elite…Attends Frontier High school and carries a 4.1 GPA… Pursue a degree in Criminology.

Coach Abrams:
“Karissa will bring power at the plate and command behind it. Her knowledge and instincts of the game is a tremendous asset to any pitching staff. She will be a great addition to the middle of the line-up.”

Alanna Beck- From Saratoga Springs, Utah...Daughter of Demar and Brynn Beck…A pitcher and first baseman… Named 2012 Defensive Player of the Year at Westlake High School… Plays for the Utah Predators…Carries a 3.0 GPA and wants to major in Radiology.

Coach Abrams:
“Alanna is a young lady that brings fight to the circle. Her long levers and height give her the potential to be a very good pitcher. Alanna is a very composed pitcher on the mound and is one who thrives under the pressure.”

Sarah Phillis- From Placerville, CA…Daughter of Craig and Darlene Phillis…Primarily an outfielder, who can also pitch and play first base… Played in the Colorado Fireworks All Star Game… Plays for the Capital City Comets …Attends Union Mine High School and carries a 3.7 GPA…Interested in pursuing a degree in Kinesiology.

Coach Abrams:
“Sarah will be a presence in the Maverick lineup as soon as she arrives. Her natural athletic makeup and competitiveness made it just hard for the CMU staff to overlook.”