Softball Inks Three During Early Signing Period

Nov. 17, 2008

HATTIESBURG, Miss. -- Southern Miss softball coach Howard Dobson announced the signing of Beth Anne Dietrich of Friendswood, Texas, Gabby Luciani of Peoria, Ariz., and Christina Roosmalen of Plano, Texas, to national letters of intent and grant-in-aid scholars for the 2009-2010 season.

"We are excited about having this group come in to add to the class we brought in last year to fill in the holes we had," Dobson said. "We lose three seniors, Brittney Jones, Kristin Pilgrim and Samantha Davis. Filling those three roles was big for us."

Dietrich, a 5-9 pitcher, was a member of the first softball team at Manvel High School, where she owns a record of 17-5 over two seasons. She finished with an 11-1 record in 2007 with an ERA of 0.43 and 7-5 in 2008 with a 0.26 ERA, while pitching nine shutouts and two perfect games.

Dietrich earned all-district 23-4A honors as a junior and was voted her team's MVP while at Manvel in 2008. She played one season at Alvin High School where she finished with an 18-4 record with a 1.11 ERA and leading her team to a second-place finish in the 24-5A district.

Dietrich is the daughter of Ron and Mickie Dietrich and currently plays travel ball with the Texas Storm Demarini Gold.

Luciani, a 5-11 pitcher, was a first-team All-West Valley honoree for Coach Bartt Underwood at Centennial High School. She helped her team to the state runner-up in the 5-AII Conference in 2006 and 2007. She earned 5A all-state honorable and second team all-state twice as well as a three-time first team all-region pitcher.

Luciani owns the school record in all-time strikeouts and the lowest ERA for a career and single season. She also earned four letters in swimming.

Luciani, daughter of Mark and Carol Luciani, currently plays travel ball with the Arizona Desert Thunder for coaches Phil Feleccia and Lance Fowler.

"Beth Dietrich and Gabby Luciani are both pitchers which will help us out tremendously in the circle," Dobson said. "In our game pitching dominates for us and those two have dominated in summer ball. Gabby is from Arizona who played for Desert Thunder and did very well at the 16-and-under and the Gold level as well. Beth was one of the more highly recruited pitchers in the state of Texas. Having them will definitely solidify our pitching depth."

Roosmalen, who plays first base and outfield, received the Golden Bat at Plano West High School for three straight seasons. She earned first-team all-district honors her sophomore year and second-team all district honors her freshman year. Roosmalen also was named the district 9-5A Offensive Player of the Year as well as first-team all-area and first-team all-state her junior year.

"Christina Roosmalen is a power-hitting first baseman who can play the outfield as well," said Dobson. "She is a very good hitter."

Roosmalen batted .408 with 140 hits, including 25 doubles, seven triples and eight home runs. She also recorded 87 runs batted in and a slugging percentage of .592. Roosmalen posted back-to-back 52 hit seasons as well as back-to-back seasons of 30-plus runs batted in.

Roosmalen, the daughter of Jeff and Patty Roosmalen, currently plays travel ball with the Texas Glory Gold.