Braves Ink Hartshorn To NLI

PEMBROKE – First year UNCP head softball coach Lacinda Melanson has announced the signing of Alex Hartshorn to a national letter of intent as the Tampa, Fla. native declared her intentions to continue her playing career with the 2008 Peach Belt Conference champion Braves.

“We are extremely excited to have Alex joining our family,” said Melanson. “She has a history of success that should allow her to come in and make an impact from the start. Alex is an extremely talented and well-rounded young lady that will be an asset to our team.”

Hartshorn, a 5-7 pitcher from Chamberlain High School, has played for coach Bobby Diez at CHS for the past three seasons. During her junior campaign, Hartshorn posted an 11-3 overall record while recording a 0.78 earned run average. She pitched 89 innings, compiling 91 strikeouts to just 18 walks while also pitching two no-hitters and one perfect game.

For her efforts, she was named first team all-conference, first team all-county and second team all-suncoast by The St. Petersburg Times, and second team all-county by The Tampa Tribune.

“She spots pitches well and has a great demeanor on the mound,” added Melanson. “We believe she has the ability to evolve into a great leader for us both on and off the field.”

CHS earned the 5A District 10 title the past two seasons and the Region 3 championship in 2007 as the Chiefs reached the state final four.

The daughter of John and Laura Hartshorn, Alex is a member of CHS’s High Honor Roll and the National Technical Honor Society. She is also a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the Key Club, the Student Advisory Committee and the Red Cross Club.