MAGNOLIA, Ark. - Southern Arkansas head softball coach Jason Anderson has announced the addition of four newcomers who will take the field for the Lady Muleriders in the 2017 season.

"All four of these players will be a great addition to our roster," said Anderson. "With our mixture of quality returners, freshman, and these transfers we are very talented top to bottom. They have a proven ability to compete and win at a very high level, and they will fit right in with the expectations of our softball program to compete for GAC, Regional and National Championships every year."

Listed among the newcomers are Marina Duran, Megan Godoyo, Monica Islava, and Carolina Sanchez.

 

Marina Duran, a native from Chino, California is a junior transfer from Tyler Junior College. Duran joins the Lady Muleriders as another staggering offensive performer with a batting average of .475, 70 runs batted in, and 11 homeruns. Duran played in all 66 games for the Apaches helping her team to an overall record of 60-6.

The junior transfer also racked up a few achievements of her own being named to the All-conference first team as an infielder and the All-Region first team infield. Duran was an essential part of the Apache lineup where they currently hold the title for the 2016 NJCAA National Champions for softball.

 

Megan Godoyo, a junior transfer from Wabash Valley College, appeared in 58 games as an outfielder for the Warriors in the 2016 season. Godoyo posted a team high batting average of .451 along with 88 hits, 57 runs scored, 77 RBI's, and 16 homeruns. She led the team in almost every category with a slugging percentage of .790.

Among Godoyo's stellar offensive performance, she was also a vital defensive player finishing the year with a .914 fielding percentage. In addition to Godoyo's statistical success, she was also named National Player of the week in 2016 along with NJCAA All American. Godoyo helped her team to an overall record of 47-11 and 30-3 in conference play.

 In 2015, the Warriors made an appearance in the NJCAA National Championships where the All American was named offensive MVP of the tournament.

 

Monica Islava, another All American and offensive leader of her team, brings a lot to the table as a junior transfer from Butler Community College. Islava started in all 49 games for the Grizzlies playing shortstop, left field, and third base. She led the team in several different offensive categories with a .447 batting average, 15 homeruns, and 61 RBI's. All of which help accumulate a remarkable slugging percentage of .943, another team high.

Native from Nogales, Arizona was fearless around the bases as she had 17 stolen bases and 48 runs scored. Islava also acquired the achievements of being named Butler's offensive Triple Crown performer, first team all KJCCC at third base, KJCCC Jayhawk West Player of the Week, and second team all Jayhawk West at shortstop as a freshman.

 

Carolina Sanchez, a junior transfer from Louisiana Tech, brings a potent arm to the circle as a right handed pitcher. She appeared in 33 games combined for the Bulldogs along with 14 career starts. In her sophomore season, Sanchez collected 24 strikeouts in 52.1 innings pitched. As a freshman, she posted an ERA of 3.54 allowing only 24 hits, striking out 19, while holding the opponent batting average to .216.

Prior to her time at LA Tech, in high school the Shreveport, La native helped lead her team to two state championships at Evangel Christian Academy along with another appearance in the state quarterfinals her senior season. Sanchez was a huge factor in her team's success with a combined 276 strikeouts her junior and senior season, a 1.68 ERA her senior year, and a 1.21 ERA as a junior.

To top off all of her accomplishments, in her career she has obtained the honor of being named to the All-state team twice, first team all-district, two time all-area, and four time all-city.