UVA-Wise Signs Two Softball Outfielders for 2008

April 11, 2007

Wise, VA – For the first time under the direction of head coach Tori Raby-Gentry, the UVA-Wise softball squad has signed two impact outfielders, Madilynn Ridenour and Laken Barnes, for the 2008 season.

The two incoming outfielders gives the defending Appalachian Athletic Conference champions five players signed for next year under head coach Tori Raby-Gentry. UVA-Wise has won the past three league titles and four of the past five along with the first NAIA National Championships appearance in 2005.

A solid all-around player, Ridenour hails from Suffolk, VA. The Nansemond River High School product is a hard-nosed outfielder who is aggressive on both offense and defense with a solid arm. Madilynn will add another add great speed and dimension to the lineup as a slap hitter.

Ridenour posted very solid numbers in the 2006 season for Nansemond River. She was named to the All-Tidewater second team while batting .411 with three triples, 28 runs and 11 stolen bases. The outfielder hit .354 with 20 runs and nine stolen bases in the fall 2006 travel team season.

Barnes will come to UVA-Wise as the second transfer for the 2008 season from Motlow State Community College. The current Lady Bucks sophomore will bring a tremendous amount of playing experience for two seasons to the Lady Cavs’ lineup.

The Lynchburg, TN native brings a combination of offensive power and speed. In the outfield, she has a solid arm and gets great jumps on the ball.

Barnes is hitting over .400 for Motlow State for the second year. On the 2007 season, she has a .418 average with 31 runs, 10 doubles, four triples, five home runs and 31 rbi. For 2006, Barnes was an All-Conference second team selection as she hit .416 to go with eight doubles, four homers, 26 runs and 26 runs batted in.