Bowling Green State University Athletics
Five Sign with Salsburg and Falcon Softball
November 21, 2006 | Softball
Nov. 21, 2006
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio - Head coach Shannon Salsburg has announced the addition of five future Falcon student-athletes to the 2007-08 Bowling Green State University softball roster. Lindsay Arney (Navarre, Ohio), Katelynn Boso (Akron, Ohio), Melissa Bott (Dover, Ohio), Rachel Delp (Columbus, Ohio) and Zada Lines (Akron, Ohio) have each signed a National Letter of Intent as a commitment to playing for the Orange and Brown next season.
Of the five student-athletes, Arney and Bott will come to BGSU as teammates from the Ohio Wolfpack travel team while Delp and Lines are also former teammates from their time with the Lady Lasers Gold travel squad.
Arney, a senior at Fairless High School, earned Player of the Year titles from both the PAC-7 conference and the Massillon Independent after pounding a .432 batting average last season. She is a three-time first-team PAC-7 selection and was named to the All-District first-team for the first time in 2006. The shortstop holds not only the Fairless H.S. record, but also the Stark County record for stolen bases with 36.
"Lindsay is an outstanding ballplayer who will add speed and depth to our middle infield," said Salsburg. "She is an outstanding student both of the game and in the classroom, and possesses a work ethic that is second to none."
Boso, a senior at Ellet High School, begins the season after being selected as an All-District first-teamer last year. She also earned two first-team All-City nods with Ellet. Last season, the catcher hit .370 with a slugging percentage of .562 while adding an on base percentage of .446. The lone member of the Grand Slam travel squad, Boso and Co. finished third last year at the U-18 ASA Nationals in Owensboro, KY.
"Katelynn is a technically strong catcher who has handled two of the better pitchers in her area. She has a cannon of an arm and has played at the highest level during the summer," said Salsburg.
Bott will enter the class as the most decorated of the five incoming student-athletes. She is a three time ECOL first-team honoree as well as a three time first-team Eastern Division selection for Division II. As a freshman she was named to the OHSFSCA All-State Division II second-team and became a first-team pick in her sophomore and junior seasons. The pitcher/outfielder is the reigning three time ECOL Player of the Year and was also chosen the Eastern District Division II Player of the Year in 2005 and 2006.
Bott earned the awards after posting a .60 ERA and striking out 296 batters en route to a 25-4 record. She also hit .440 with a .734 slugging percentage and a .522 on base percentage. In the summer season, she threw 214 K's in 180 innings. Bott also finished the season with a .39 ERA.
"Melissa is a student of the game. She has excelled both on the mound and at the plate," said Salsburg. "She is a dominating batter who can hit for power. She should have an immediate impact."
Delp, a senior at Bishop Watterson High School, is a two-time first-team Central Catholic League star and was named to the Columbus Dispatch first-team as a junior. Last season she was also named to the Central District Division I second-team in 2006. In her last high school season, she hit .533 with a slugging percentage of .900.
"Rachel is a strong young lady who can hit for power," said "She will add depth to our corner positions and will bring a great work ethic and attitude."
Lines, an Akron native, will see time as a pitcher or in the middle infield. She is a three time All-Suburban League choice. While at Revere High School, Lines hit .390 with a .646 slugging percentage. As a pitcher, she collected 159 K's in 84 innings. In the summer season, she threw 215 strikeouts in 130 innings.
"Zada (Zey-da) is a unique athlete and will add depth in a variety of areas. She has had a ton of success on the mound, and will add a different look to our pitching staff," said Salsburg.
As a unit, the five have combined for seven Player of the Year crowns and 13 All-League or All-City nods.
"I am really excited about the addition of all five student-athletes. Each young lady has competed at a high level and will bring depth to our team. All of the student-athlete possess the abilities and characteristics needed to continue our climb into national prominence," said Salsberg.
The Falcons will open the 2006-07 season on February 23 at the Panera Challenge in Chattanooga, Tenn.
