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Bowling Green State University Athletics
Salsburg and Falcons Sign a Speedy Trio
December 06, 2007 | Softball
Dec. 6, 2007
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio - BGSU head softball coach Shannon Salsburg has announced the signing of three student-athletes to National Letters of Intent. Lacey Jo Elliot (Circleville, Ohio), Rachel Proehl (Kingston, Ohio), and Melissa West (Canfield, Ohio) will join the Falcons for the 2008-09 academic year.
"I am thrilled to announce our 2008 recruiting class," said BGSU head coach Shannon Salsburg. "The class, which consists of Rachel Proehl, Melissa West, and Lacey Jo Elliott, will bring increased speed and athleticism to our team while providing depth in a number of areas. All three are good students, and their work ethic on and off the field, will help our program continue our climb into national prominence."
Elliot is currently in her senior year at Logan Elm High School. She was named first team All-Mid State League for the past three seasons and to the All Southeast District Team the past two seasons after hammering a career .714 batting average and a career slugging percentage of .714. In her junior campaign, Elliot was named MVP of her high school team after remaining untouchable on the bases with a perfect record of 19 stolen bases in 19 attempts. The catcher/short-stop recorded a .524 batting average and 21 stole bases with her travel team the Ohio Swarm this past season.
"Lacey is a versatile speedster who can play anywhere on the field," said Salsburg. "Offensively, Lacey is a lefty slapper with tremendous speed and a knack for finding a hole. She has a tremendous attitude and I look forward to her arriving on campus and working with Coach Southwell."
Proehl is currently in her senior year at Zane Trace High School. As a junior the outfield/short-stop was named 2007 SVC Player of the Year, first team All-SVC, first team All-District, and second team All-State after pounding the ball for a .595 hitting percentage and 36 stolen bases. As sophomore Proehl was named first team All-SVC and first team All-District. Proehl has seen success with her travel team the Central Ohio Stingrays hitting a .595 with an on base percentage of .660 and 41 stolen bases.
"Rachel is a tremendously quick young lady with a great understanding of the game," said Salsburg. "She will add depth both in the outfield and potentially at shortstop. Rachel will be a great asset offensively, as she is a slapper that simply finds ways to get on base. I look forward to her growth offensively as she focuses on the details with Coach Southwell."
West is currently in her senior year at Canfield High School. The left side infielder was named first team All-MAC, first team All-Northeast Ohio District, and second team All-State with her heavy bat hitting a .478, including four homeruns, nine doubles, and a slugging percentage of .841. West led her travel team the Ohio Grand Slam to a ninth place finish at the ASA "A" Nationals in College Station, Texas last season compiling a .356 hitting percentage with a slugging percentage of .453.
"Melissa is a hard hitting third baseman that will add depth to our line up," said Salsburg. "Melissa is a force offensively, impacting the game with her bat and her speed on the bases. She is a student of the game, and I look forward to her continued growth."
The Falcons will open the 2007-2008 season on February 22, 2008 in Chattanooga, Tenn. at the Chattanooga Classic. The Orange and Brown look to defend their back-to-back championships and open the 2007-08 season with a bang.
