RINDGE, N.H. (August 22, 2019) – Franklin Pierce University second-year softball head coach Andrew Klaus is proud to announce his first recruiting class that will participate in the upcoming 2020 campaign.

Coach Klaus brings the new players to campus in hopes of improving the Crimson and Grey's 11-30 overall mark from 2019 as well as a 7-20 conference record. The eight young women will join a solid core of returning players as the team hopes to earn a Northeast-10 Championship berth for the first time in program history.

"We have been able to bring in a talented group for the upcoming year who embodies the tireless work ethic and drive for success on the field and in the classroom that we are looking for within our program," said Coach Klaus. "Our six freshmen have the ability to play multiple positions with ease and possess the speed and athleticism that we need to compete in the NE10."

"We are fortunate to have two transfer students coming in who have already been competing at the collegiate level for a few years. Their playing ability, knowledge of the game, and capacity to lead will make an immediate impact."

TO VIEW A PHOTO GALLERY OF THE RECRUITS PLEASE CLICK HERE

Madi Killebrew | SS, 3B | Graduate Student

Hometown: Dana Point, Calif.

Previous School: Boston University (bio)

Awards and Honors: Patriot League All-Conference Second Team (2019), Patriot League Tournament MVP (2018), Patriot League All-Tournament Team (2018, 2019), Patriot League Player of the Week (2/19/18).

Junior Year Stats: .310 average, 15 doubles, two triples, four home runs, and 34 RBI. Had 21 walks/HBP to only 10 strikeouts. 

Senior Year Stats: .261 average, nine doubles, five home runs, and 22 RBI.

Reason Madi chose FPU: "I chose to continue my education at Franklin Pierce because it offers an acclaimed Energy and Sustainability MBA program that can open up many opportunities for me to pursue this field of work. The rural atmosphere is very different from what I have experienced in a university in the past and I am eager to start this new experience.  I truly enjoyed my time in Boston, and I am grateful and excited to further my education and finish my softball career with the Ravens."

Jenna Curtis | OF, 1B, 3B | Junior Transfer Student

Hometown: Orange Park, Fla.

Previous School: Lake-Sumter State College (bio)

Freshman Year Stats: .301 average, three doubles, one triple, one home run, 20 walks, and eight stolen bases.

Sophomore Year Stats: .300 average, eight doubles, three triples, 20 walks, and five stolen bases.

Reason Jenna chose FPU: "I chose to continue my collegiate career at Franklin Pierce because it was an opportunity to experience something new. I have played and lived in Florida my whole life, so when the opportunity came to venture out my comfort zone, I took it. The main reason I chose Franklin Pierce was for Coach Klaus and the team; I cannot wait for the great things we are going to accomplish together. They were all such great people when I met them, and I know they will make this Florida girl feel at home."

Alexis Briggs | OF, UTIL | Freshman

Hometown: Pendleton, N.Y.

Previous School: Starpoint High School

Awards and Honors: four-year varsity starter, Second Team ECIC II (2018, 2019), National Honor Society.

2019 Travel Ball Stats: .481 average, seven doubles, one triple, three home runs, 36 RBI, and 17 stolen bases.

High School Career Stats: .352 average, 19 doubles, 4 triples, three home runs, 53 runs scored and 37 RBI.

Reason Alexis chose FPU: "I visited the school a few times and I absolutely fell in love with it from day one. The welcoming atmosphere of not just my new teammates/coaches but from the students here drew me in as well! I am excited to expand my horizons as an individual on and off the field for the next four years enclosed in the nurturing walls of Franklin Pierce University!"

Melissa Konopinski | OF | Freshman

Hometown: Butler, N.J.

Previous School: Butler High School

Awards and Honors: four-year varsity starter, First Team All-Conference Softball (2017, 2018, 2019), First Team All-Conference in Basketball and Cross Country (2018, 2019), National Honor Society.

High School Career Stats: .458 average and a school-record 159 career hits.

Reason Melissa chose FPU: "I chose FPU because it provides a great academic path for me. When I first visited, I fell in love immediately. FPU is a great place that I decided would become my new start for the next four years, and I am super excited to see what it brings!"

Hailey Melchert | C, MI | Freshman

Hometown: Lake Orion, Mich.

Previous School: Lake Orion High School

Awards and Honors: All-District and All-Region Utility player (2017, 2018, 2019), OAA Scholar-Athlete (2017, 2018, 2019), OAA Sportsmanship Award (2019).

High School Career Stats: .453 average, 34 doubles, five triples, 11 home runs, and 135 RBI.

Reason Hailey chose FPU: "I chose Franklin Pierce University because it is an amazing opportunity to explore an area of the country that I have never been to before. The campus is so peaceful and the entire softball program, both coaches and players, are extremely welcoming. It seems like it will be a good fit."

Madison Labrie | P, UTIL | Freshman

Hometown: New Ipswich, N.H.

Previous School: Mascenic Regional High School

Awards and Honors: 2018 New Hampshire Gatorade Player of the Year, 2019 New Hampshire Player of the Year, 2018 New Hampshire Pitcher of the Year, First Team All-State (2016, 2017, 2018).

High School Career Stats: three school records: 747 strikeouts, 58-13 win/loss mark and 0.24 ERA (2019).

Reason Madison chose FPU: "I really liked the small community at FPU and the welcoming, beautiful campus which has always felt like another home. Every time I visit the campus there is always something new that I like about the area. Academically, graduating in four years with a master's degree through the 3+1 business program caught my attention, as I would like to run my own business one day. With softball, I was given the incredible opportunity to play college softball with other players who love the game and take softball as serious as I do."

Ari Rodriguez | OF, UTIL | Freshman

Hometown: Clinton, Mass.

Previous School: Clinton High School

Awards and Honors: Two-time team captain, Co-MVP of the league, three-time All-Star.

High School Career Stats: 35 doubles, eight triples, eight home runs, and over 100 hits in her career.

Reason Ari chose FPU: "The campus is beautiful. Also, I love how welcoming and energetic the atmosphere is. I see myself growing as a student-athlete at FPU."

Ashley Turcotte | 2B, UTIL | Freshman

Hometown: Merrimack. N.H.

Previous School: Merrimack High School

2019 High School Stats: .409 average, four doubles, one triple, 13 RBI and in the field had 24 putouts and 40 assists.

Reason Ashley chose FPU: "I chose FPU because as soon as I stepped on campus I knew I belonged; FPU feels like a home away from home. The first thing I noticed about Coach Klaus and the team was how they all made me feel welcomed and like I was already a part of the team. I'm excited to play next year and be a part of this amazing team."

For more information on Franklin Pierce Athletics, please visit the official website of Franklin Pierce Athletics (http://fpuravens.com). Also be sure to follow the Ravens through the Department of Athletics' official Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/FranklinPierceRavens), its YouTube channel (http://www.youtube.com/franklinpiercesports) and its Twitter feed (http://twitter.com/FPUathletics). Fans wishing to purchase Franklin Pierce softball apparel can do so at the Department of Athletics' online store (http://fpuravens.com). You can also follow the softball team on Twitter (https://twitter.com/FPUSoftball_) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/fpu_ravens_softball).