Jan. 23, 2004
FAIRFAX, VA--George Mason University's head softball coach Beth Fulcher has announced that three student-athletes have signed National Letters of Intent to play for the 2004-05 Patriot softball team.
The signees include Amanda Bach (SS; Chesapeake, VA/Hickory), Kristin Dickel (1B; North Wales, PA/North Penn) and Lesley Hassen (C; Virginia Beach, VA/Kempsville).
"I feel very lucky to have signed these three student-athletes," said Fulcher. "Not only are they talented softball players, but they are strong academically and are good people. I feel that these three will definitely add a great deal to the team next season."
Amanda Bach; Shortstop
Earned four varsity letters in softball at Hickory...holds a high school career batting average of .541, an on base percentage of .597 and a fielding percentage of .912...named team MVP junior year...was first team all-district both sophomore and junior season...played for the Virginia Legends summer league in 2003...earned the Academic Excellence Award all four years of high school...member of the National Honor Society junior and senior year...received the Virginia High School League Academic Excellence Award all four years at Hickory...earned three varsity letters in volleyball and was co-captain senior season.
"We are extremely happy to have signed Amanda to Mason's softball program," said Fulcher. "She is very athletic and we think she will be able to contribute to the team immediately. We are looking for Amanda to take over the shortstop position when Stacy James graduates."
Kristin Dickel; First Base
Earned three varsity letters in softball at North Penn...named team captain senior season...earned second-team all-league first base junior year...registered a .994 fielding percentage in high school...played for the summer league team, Thunderbirds...earned varsity letters in field hockey junior and senior seasons...named Defender of the Year in 2003 for field hockey...in the top nine percent of her class...two-year recipient of the Academic Excellence Award.
"Kristin will compete for the starting first base position that will be vacated by Kim Braxton," said Fulcher. "She is a lefty with a lot of experience at the position and we are very excited to see what she will be able to add to Mason's program."
Lesley Hassen; Catcher
Has earned three varsity letters at Kempsville...the Lady Chiefs won the district championship both freshman and sophomore year...Kempsville was also the regional runner-up and made it to the state quarterfinals sophomore season...selected for the Beach District honorable mention junior year...awarded the Kempsville sportsmanship award junior season...a member of the senior class executive council...plays summer league for Orion Hunter.
"Lesley is smart behind the plate, has a good physical presence and has an excellent throwing arm," said Fulcher. "She also has a great desire to learn more about the position."
