Nov. 15, 2013

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COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio State softball team has signed four recruits for the 2015 season, head coach Kelly Kovach Schoenly announced today. Three of the signees play multiple positions while the other is an outfielder. The class is ranked 17th nationally by StudentSports.com and second in the Big Ten.

“It is with great pleasure that I announce our recruiting class,” said Schoenly. “All four players have played at the highest level possible to get themselves ready to make an impact immediately upon arriving in Columbus. We look for well rounded, strong academic, high character athletes, and Cassidy, Ashley, Bailee and Taylor definitely fit that mold. Loaded with athleticism and competitiveness, I fully expect this group to contribute significantly to the success of our program.”

Cassidy Clough – MIF – San Diego, Calif.

A standout and team captain at Mission Bay High School, Clough was a second team All-Western League selection from the San Diego Union-Tribune during her junior season in 2013. She hit .546 with 13 RBI, 21 runs scored, 31 stolen bases and an on-base percentage of .631. For her efforts, she was named the team’s Most Valuable Player. In the Premier Girls Fastpitch 16U Nationals, she hit .455 with six RBI and seven stolen bases in seven games and helped her team reach the championship game. She is also plays soccer and volleyball at Mission Bay and is a three-time All-Academic team selection. Her father, Keith, played football for UNLV.

Schoenly on Clough: “Cassidy is a multi-dimensional offensive threat. She is a table setter that jumpstarts an offense, getting on base from the left side with her many tools of bunting, slapping, or hitting. She is an instinctual baserunner, using her speed to put pressure on the defense and make things happen. She will also use that quickness defensively to cover a lot of territory in the middle infield. “

Bailee Sturgeon – OF – Ashville, Ohio

Sturgeon hit .370 last year with 32 runs scored, 16 RBI and 11 stolen bases for Teays Valley High School where she was a first team all-Mid State League selection, second team all-district and Golden Glove Award honoree. A three-year varsity letterwinner, she started as a freshman on a team that won the district championship and included current Buckeye Cammi Prantl. Also earned a varsity letter in basketball.

Schoenly on Sturgeon: “Bailey is a sparkplug and known for making spectacular plays in the outfield. She plays with grit and guts, not afraid to go for the big play. She is a difference maker on defense. From the left side, she will use her speed to be a catalyst for our offense.”

Taylor White – C/OF – Granada Hills, Calif.

At Chaminade Prep High School, White is a three-time team Most Valuable Player, three-time first team All-Mission Valley selection and the 2012 Mission League MVP. Her club team, the Corona Angels, won the championship at the 18U ASA Champions Cup, finished runner-up at the TC/USA Nationals and was eighth at the 18U Louisville Slugger Independence Day Tournament.

Schoenly on White: “Taylor offers incredible versatility. She can catch, play outfield, hit for average and power, while also being a threat to steal bases. She is the prototype 5 tool player. Her strong arm and accuracy will limit our opponents on the basepaths.”

Ashley Purdy Goodwin – C/IF – Riverside, Calif.

As a sophomore, Goodwin’s team at Norco High School won the CIF Division I title and ESPN/Powerade FAB 50 National Championship with an infield that featured four players who are headed to major Division I programs. Last year, Norco was ranked 10th in the final national rankings and made it to the CIF Division I final for the third time in four years. A three-year starter, Goodwin earned all-Inland Empire first team and all-CIF second team honors in 2012. She also played on the same club team, the Corona Angels, as fellow Buckeye signee Taylor White.

Schoenly on Goodwin: “Ashley is that clutch, nose-to-the-ground, do-whatever-it-takes-to-win kind of player. She will bring that competitiveness to the infield. She has a natural quickness on the hot corner, but has the ability to move into the middle infield or even catch if needed. Her strength as a hitter is that she can hit for power to all fields.”