Lady Cav Lady Cavs Announce Softball Recruiting Class

July 19, 2006

Wise, VA – After claiming the first Appalachian Athletic Conference softball tournament title, the University of Virginia’s College at Wise announced a five-player 2006-07 recruiting class. The Lady Cavs and head coach Tori Raby-Gentry will welcome outfielder Paige Begley, utility player Christine Cantone, third baseman Lauren Hall, shortstop Amber Harvey and pitcher Lauren Snead.

Uva-Wise completed its second season in a row with at least 35 wins in 2006. The Lady Cavs compiled a 35-16, AAC title and third place finish at the NAIA Region XII playoffs. Uva-Wise finished 2005 with a 38-22 mark, NAIA Region XII title and first appearance at the NAIA National Championships.

The Lady Cavs lost four seniors from this past season’s team and will look to replace the departed members with the talented new recruiting class.

Begley from Big Stone Gap and Powell Valley High will be projected to battle for a starting outfield role. She batted .430 with six home runs this spring while being named Lonesome Pine District and All-Region D Player of the Year for the second year in a row. Begley also earned all-state first team honors as a junior.

“Paige is a solid defensive player with a strong arm,” tells Raby-Gentry. “She is an offensive threat, will compete for a starting role in right field and will be a solid addition to the program.”

Snead will look to help bolster the Lady Cav pitching staff who lost AAC Pitcher of the Year Dani Benton. The Lord Botetourt High product went 12-7 with a 1.39 earned run average and 201 strikeouts on the mound. She boasts a career 1.17 ERA with 338 strikeouts. At the plate, Snead batted .424 in 2006 and gained All-Blue Ridge District, All-Blue Ridge District Pitcher of the Year and All-Region III squad honors.

“Lauren has a nice variety of pitches, adds a different look to our staff and has the mental toughness that the college game requires,” pointed out the Uva-Wise coach.

Harvey will to look to help replace All-AAC shortstop Krystal Showers. The Bath County High School grad missed this past season due to a torn ACL suffered playing basketball in early December. As a junior, she hit .426 with three home runs while possessing a good glove and arm defensively.

“Offensively Amber hits for power but is a threat on the bases with her speed,” explains Raby-Gentry. “She is a very talented and competitive player who just received her first games at the Commonwealth Game and should be in the lineup somewhere next spring.”

Cantone will add a versatile player to the Lady Cav lineup. The Virginia Beach native batted .310 and received all-district honorable mention status for Tallwood High.

“Christine is fundamentally sound and versatile player who has great speed. She is a solid second baseman who is a consistent hitter who can also slap hit on the left side,” said the coach.

Hall rounds out the talented group of incoming players. She was a high school teammate of Snead’s at Lord Botetourt. The third baseman hit .258 with three homers and .318 at the plate over her career.

“Lauren has a solid glove, possesses good power at the plate and will add depth to a solid infield,” added Raby-Gentry.