Central Softball Announces Five Signees

Head softball coach Jeff Franquet is pleased to announce that five student athletes have recently signed to attend Central Connecticut State University. Two of whom, Rebecca Mussatti of Valley Center, CA, and Sarah Vlahos of San Marcos, CA will contribute this spring on the softball diamond after transferring to CCSU from Palomar Junior College.

Sarah Vlahos come to New Britain from San Marcos, CA. When she attended Palomar Junior College, Vlahos posted a .303 avg., 11 2B, and a .395 SLG% for the Comets who compete in the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA).

"Sarah is one of the best second baseman around" said Franquet. Sarah will bring immediate leadership, athleticism, and an understanding of the game. We are so excited to watch Sarah play this spring."

Rebecca Mussatti of Valley Center, CA will join Vlahos on their trip to the east coast. Mussatti also comes to CCSU after playing for Palomar Junior College where she played outfield for the Pacific Coast Conference Champion Palomar in 2009. She was named First Team All Conference as an outfielder and received honors as a Pacific Coast Scholar Athlete. During high school she lettered in both Softball and Volleyball.

"Becca is an awesome outfielder. She will make an immediate impact on our team. Becca has a great approach to the game of softball, and we expect Becca to lead this team in the spring."

"We are very fortunate to have Sarah and Becca transfer for the spring 2010 season." Franquet continued. "They will bring instant leadership, work ethic, and pride in the classroom and on the field. When you can bring in two players with the same work ethic, passion, and desire to be the best from the same team is a bonus. The Palomar Junior College program is led by Hall of Fame coach Mark Eldridge. Mark is a great friend of mine and we are fortunate to have two of his players."

Arielle Bruno of Millville, NJ attends Sacred Heart High School and has signed on with the Blue Devils for the 2010-11 season. Bruno, a first-team Press All Star selection for the 2009 season will make her way to Central Connecticut this fall. As Bruno competes this spring at Sacred Heart High School, she will try to break the school record for single-season hits (45) she set as a sophomore. Overall she has 126 hits, just one hit short of the school record.

"Arielle is an incredibly gifted athlete." said Franquet. "We are fortunate to attract an athlete like Arielle to CCSU. We fully expect Arielle to make an immediate impact on the team. We really like Arielle's energy, passion, and athleticism. She will be a great addition to our team.

Julie Marks, a Granby, CT native will come to New Britain this fall after a very successful career for Granby Memorial High School. Among Marks' successes are Connecticut High School Coaches Association All-State honoree in 2008, three time North Central Connecticut Conference All Conference accolades 2006, 2007, 2008, and being named captain for her high school team in 2008.

"We are looking forward to watching Julie grow as a pitcher." said Franquet. We feel her potential is endless and she will be a big part of the pitching rotation next year. Anytime you can sign a talented local player is a bonus. We want to keep the best players in Connecticut here, so we feel fortunate to have Julie on the team."

Destinee Foust of El Reno, OK will also be attending CCSU this fall and will begin competing for the Blue Devils in the 2011 season.
"Destinee will have huge shoes to fill replacing our Junior Kat Knowles, who will graduate this spring." said Franquet. "We expect Destinee to come in and take over right where Kat leaves off. Destinee is so talented behind the plate. She has amazing catching skills, and she can swing the bat as well. There is a lot of talent in Oklahoma so we will continue to recruit there. "

During her junior season Foust had 60 putouts over a nine-game span, picking off one of the three runners who tested her arm. From the plate, Foust batted .440 with 11 hits in 25 trips. She had eight singles, two doubles and a triple and added six RBI.