Photo by Tom O'Brien (April 1 vs. UMass Lowell)

Posted: May 01, 2014

Lotito signs six for Softball Class of 2018

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Coming off its first-ever Northeast Conference Regular Season Championship, the Bryant University softball team and head coach Shayne Lotito are proud to announce the signing of six future Bulldogs who will make up the Class of 2018.

Pitchers Brandi Burgin (Sana Clarita, Calif.) and Logan Paul (Shaker Heights, Ohio), infielders Maritza Martinez (Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.) and Rachel Monroe (Southwick, Mass.), utility player Gianna Pizzano (Saugus, Mass.) and catcher Robyn Ukegawa (Carlsbad, Calif.) comprise the incoming Bryant softball freshman class.

"As a whole, we are extremely excited about the Class of 2018," said Lotito. "We know they are going to add hard work, passion, and a desire to compete to an already strong group of girls.

"Not only are these girls great students and great athletes, they are first a foremost terrific young women who will help take the program in the direction we are currently headed."

A three-year starting pitcher at West Ranch High School in Stevenson Ranch, Calif … Helped lead the Wildcats to a second place finish in the Foothill League as a sophomore in 2012 … Earned a spot on the 2013 All-Foothill League squad as an Honorable Mention as a sophomore as well … Recived the Outstanding Academic Achievement award in English as a junior and is a member of the Fellow Christian Athletes and Young Life organizations.

"We see a lot of Elle [Madsen] in her," added Lotito. "Her fight on the mound is terrific, she goes right after batters and just never quits. She is going to be a huge addition to the pitching staff and will really help complement our lineup."

Three-year varsity letterwinner at first base at Rancho Cucamonga High School … Helped lead the Cougars to a third place finish in the Baseline League in 2013 as a junior … Earned Second Team All-Baseline League honors and the Most Improved Player Award as a junior … In the classroom, earned Honor Roll distinction all four years at Rancho Cucamonga and was a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Cougars for Christ Club, and the Rancho Remembers Club.

"Maritza's got quick hands, a positive attitude and the desire to really improve each and every day," said Lotito. "She's the type of player we want both on and off the field, and we are excited to see that type of mentality on a daily basis."

Four-year starting shortstop for head coach Mitch Overbye at the Westminster School in Simsbury, Conn. … Helped lead the Marlets to a pair of Founders League titles in 2011 and 2013 … Three-time All-Founders League selection (2011-13), selected as 2013 All-Star and team MVP, 2012 and 2013 Scquibb Bowl Award winner for excellence in character and sportsmanship … Named as captain for the 2014 season … Also a four-year letterwinner in basketball … Off the field, achieved High Honors distinction during her four years at the Westminster School and was a member of the Yearbook Committee and SON (Serving our Neighbors) Club.

"Although an amazing athlete, Rachel's positive attitude is what sets her apart," stated Lotito. "She adds a sense of resiliency each and every day that will help make her an immediate leader, both mentally and physically."

Four-year starting pitcher at the Hathaway Brown School in Shaker Heights, Ohio … Helped lead her team to a 17-10 overall record as a junior in 2013, setting the single-season school record for team wins … Three-year varsity softball captain and team MVP (2011-13) … Earned three-straight All-Sun Press selections during her first three years at Hathaway Brown (2011-13) … Set single-season school records for hits, homeruns, batting average and strikeouts as a junior in 2013 … Named the 2013 Ohio High School Scholar Athlete of the Year and a 2013 NFCA Scholar Athlete … Also a four-year letterwinner in basketball … Off the field, earned high honors distinction and serves as Student Body President.

"Her versatility is what really excited us," said Lotito. "We are looking forward to see what the type of things she can do on the mound, but when she's not pitching, she'll be able to contribute to the lineup in other ways."

Four-year starting infielder at Bishop Fenwick High School in Peabody, Mass. … Named a team captain during her junior and senior seasons … Two-time Catholic Central League All-Star and a two-time Salem News All-Star Honorable Mention … Named Defensive Player of the Year … Also lettered in both volleyball and basketball … Off the field, excels in the classroom as a honors student and is a member of the Math Team and Fenwick 411, and serves as a Homeroom Representative.

"Gianna just has a ton of heart," stated Lotito. "She's a hard worker and is very eager to learn, but her knowledge of the game is what helps set her apart from others."

Three-year starting catcher and varsity letterwinner for the Lancers at Carlsbad High School … Helped lead her travel team to top-10 finishes at ASA Nationals in three of the last four years … Helped lead Carlsbad HS to back-to-back CIF Division I Finals appearances in 2012-13 and an Avacado West Championship as a junior in 2013 … Named a Scholar Athlete all four years of high school and is a member of the Carlsbad Intern Academy.

"Robyn's presence behind the plate and her strong bat will help tremendously in her adjustment to the college game, as we expect her to compete for a spot in the lineup and add to the team's success right away," noted Lotito.

The Bulldogs, who wrap up their regular season on Friday with a doubleheader vs. Maine at Conaty Park, will host their first-ever NEC Tournament beginning on Thursday, May 8. The double-elimination postseason clash with be Bryant's first since becoming Division I postseason eligible just last season as it looks to add a Tourney Title to its Regular Season Crown.

For all the latest news on the Bryant University softball team, visit BryantBulldogs.com.