Pinkerton Inks First Recruiting Class

FAYETTEVILLE-University of Arkansas softball head coach Jamie Pinkerton signed his first Lady Razorback recruiting class. The Lady’Backs inked seven in the early signing period. Pinkerton raided Oklahoma with six signees from the Sooner state. Oklahoma natives include Brandy Baze, Whitney Cloer, Carrie Egnor, Kayla Johnson, Sandra Smith and Krystina Watkins while Jocelyne Moncrief hails from Tennessee. Pinkerton said he was impressed with how well-rounded this class is and expects the future Lady’Backs to complete the void after the departure of four seniors. “This class is versatile,” Pinkerton said. “For a first class, this is solid and should fill the needs that we’ll have from graduation and a lack of depth.” Baze will join the Lady’Backs as an infielder after receiving all-district honors as a senior. At Stillwater High School, in Stillwater, Okla., Baze was a member of a squad that was two-time state semifinalists. Pinkerton said he has watched Baze for a couple of years because she allows the Lady’Backs options around the bases due to her flexibility. “She will give us depth in the infield,” Pinkerton said. “She could be a very good player of us. She’s a versatile infielder that can play any position.” Cloer, a Bishop McGuiness product from Oklahoma City, Okla., was an all-state selection as a catcher in her senior season. Pinkerton said Cloer’s addition serves a dual purpose for the Lady’Backs; she is a capable offensive and defensive threat. “Whitney’s a good signing for us,” Pinkerton said. “She’s a good defensive catcher that will provide punch and power to the lineup. Egnor, a third baseman from Broken Arrow, Okla., will join the Lady’Backs after posting a .408 career batting average for the Lady Tigers. Pinkerton said Egnor adds power to the Arkansas offense and can play many defensive positions including the hot corner. “Carrie will fill the void that will be left at third base after senior Ashley Carter graduates,” Pinkerton said. “She can provide depth in the outfield and at catcher and that will be key.” Johnson should enhance the Lady’Back bats as she recorded a .557 batting average as a senior with six homeruns and a fielding percentage of .972. Pinkerton said Bartlesville, Okla., native, Johnson is an all-around athlete that brings all-state credentials to the Lady’Backs. “She’s another versatile athlete,” Pinkerton said. “She has several tools. She’s a great defensive player and has power at the plate.” Goodlettsville, Tenn., product, Moncrief, adds championship experience to the Arkansas roster after winning two Tennessee State Titles as a sophomore and junior. Pinkerton said Moncrief gives the Lady’Backs quickness on the bases as she stole 28 bases as a junior and was also an all-state selection. “Jocelyne is going to be a very good addition,” Pinkerton said. “She’s a strong outfielder, runs well and adds speed to the lineup.” An all-state shortstop from Catoosa, Okla., Smith should give the Lady’Backs firepower at the plate and a glove in the middle of the field. Pinkerton said he expects Smith to not only be a scoring threat for the Lady’Backs but also a leader in the dugout as she illustrated while in high school. “Sandra is a very good middle infielder,” Pinkerton said. “She will provide a lot of power and RBIs to the middle of the lineup. With her high school team, she provided strong leadership.” Watkins, of Pryor, Okla., also should provide the Lady’Backs with quickness as she holds the school record for stolen bases with 39. Pinkerton said he expects Watkins to compete for a spot in the field as she was a member of three state qualifying teams. “Kristina will vie for time in the outfield,” Pinkerton said. “She has good speed, a strong arm and is a defensive outfielder.” For more information on Arkansas softball, log on to www.ladybacks.com.