Waxahachie, Texas- April 1, 2016- Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) head softball coach Sarah Harman has been hard at work recruiting and she is excited to announce six new signees to her Lady Lions 2017 squad. Rachel Ray, Brianna Garner, Brittany Garner, Adriana Alonzo, Brittany Livingston and Danielle Etter have all signed letters of intent.
“They are extremely versatile and have the ability to play a variety of defensive positions. I am certain they will complement our returning players and fit our philosophy very well. Each have competed and succeeded at the highest level of the game and are committed to elevate SAGU softball to new heights,” says Harman.
Rachel Ray will be a transfer junior from Alvin Community College in Alvin, Texas. Ray plays both first base and pitcher. Last year as a freshman she had a 1.93 ERA in 72.1 inning pitched with a 6-5 record in the circle. Currently this season, Ray leads her team with a 2.65 ERA and 95 innings pitched. She has nine walks to 47 strike outs.
Ray was named as a NJCAA Region XIV All Conference selection and was chosen to play in the all-star game.
Coach Harman is happy to keep SAGU softball in the Ray family. According to Harman, Rachel’s sister, Tabitha Ray, is a SAGU alumni and former softball player, “Rachel is an athlete and overall great person. She fits the values and standards of SAGU, and can compete right away and impact this team in a big way.”
Another family name we will be hearing a lot of is Garner. Brianna and Brittany Garner are twin outfielders from Hillsboro, Texas and will be sophomore transfers from Frank Phillips College .
“I am excited about the potential that both Brianna and Brittany bring,” says Harman, “Not only will they add depth in the outfield, but they also give us some much needed speed both on defense and on the bases. Offensively they will compliment us by being able to slap and swing from the left side.”
Brianna Garner has multiple honors including; 2012-2013 Honorable Mention 3A-Region 11,2013-2014 Honorable Mention 3A-Region 11 and 2014-2015 2nd Team All District 3A-Region 11.
Like her sister, Brittany Garner has many awards too. She has been named as a 2013-2014 Honorable Mention 3A-Region 11 player as well as a 2014-2015 Honorable Mention 3A-Region 11 player.
Adriana Alonzo is a third base/outfield player from Lockhart, Texas where she was a three year starter in the outfield. Alonzo batted .355 and was team captain. In addition to softball, she was also heavily involved in clubs and community service projects. 
Harman believes Alonzo will add overall speed and athleticism to the infield, “She could also see time in the outfield too. She is used to batting in the top of the lineup and has the ability to hit away or bunt runners into scoring position. She also has a heart for service and I know the Lord will use her and our team to bring about further awareness about childhood cancer, which is a large community service project that she has been working on for two years.”
Brittany Livingston is a pitcher/utility player from Arlington, Texas where she was a three starter at Lamar High School. Livingston was chosen as a first team all-district selection three years in a row, including Utility Player of the Year. Over her career she is a 333% hitter with 51 RBI’s and a 456 slugging percentage. She also has a 26-26 pitching record.
“I really like how versatile Brittany is. She is very strong and has had great success with her bat. We look for Brittany to be able to contribute offensively right away and defensively I am excited to see where she will best fit,” explains Harman.
And finally, Danielle Etter is from Lincoln Christian High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Etter plays middle infield, third base as well as catcher. Currently in her senior season, Etter is batting .297 with a .360 on base percentage. She also has 30 hits and 18 RBI’s.
Harman is pleased to add depth to her infield, “ Dani will contribute greatly not only in the middle infield, but add depth to the corners and catcher position.” 
Currently, the Lady Lions are in the middle of the 2016 season. The incoming class will be Harman’s first SAGU recruiting class.
Southwestern Assemblies of God University is a private, Christian university located 30 minutes south of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex in Waxahachie, Texas. The university was established in 1927, and now offers more than 70 associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees on campus or online. More information is available at www.sagu.edu or by calling 1-888-YES-SAGU.
Contact: Natalie Tristan, SAGU SID, [email protected]
