SOFTBALL

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BUFFALO, NY - University at Buffalo first year head softball coach Marie Curran announced today UB's inaugural Division I signing class. The Bulls 1999-2000 signing class consists of Kelly Malone (Waterford, MI/Waterford/Kettering), Jessica Kensy (Cheektowaga, NY/Maryvale), Jessica York (South Dayton, NY/Pine Valley), Lisa Cox (Amherst, NY/Williamsville North) and Jen Moore (Brantford, Ontario/Delhi). Curran also announced today Stephanie Defeo as UB's new assistant softball coach.

Curran is excited about her first recruiting class.

"As a group I believe that these girls will be very competitive in every game this upcoming season," said Curran. "Everyone in our first recruiting class has a true love for the game and a deep desire to win."

Kensy and York are both talented pitchers who should make an immediate impact for the Bulls in their first season.

"Jessica Kensy brings to UB great local talent and her work work ethic and personality are second to none," commented Curran. "She is very excited to come to UB. She will play a lot of positions for us and will be a great asset to our young team. Jessica York will also be a great asset to our team, as well," added Curran. "She brings to UB a lot of winning experience as she went 24-1 in her senior year at Pine Valley High School."

Malone and Moore come to UB after stellar high school careers playing catcher. Malone will also be utilized at third base, while Moore will be put to work in the outfield. Amherst native Cox, will attend to shortstop duties as the Bulls prepare for the 2000 season.

"Malone will be an outstanding hitter for us," said Curran. "She was a gold level softball player in high school and will be a great leader for us. Jen Moore will also provide us with an outstanding hitter. She can play several positions and I expect her and Kelly Malone to be a great combination behind the plate. Cox is our "diamond in the rough" I would say. She chose UB because it was such a strong academic school and I believe she will be a great middle infielder for us. "

Stephanie Defeo joins the Bulls staff as an assistant coach in the Bulls first season of Division play.

Defeo comes to UB from The University of Texas-San Antonio where she served as an assistant coach from 1998-99. She has also served as an assistant coach at Southeastern Louisiana University in 1997. In addition to Defeo's coaching experience, she has experience as a professional player in the Women's Professional Softball League. She most recently played for the Durham Dragons in 1999 and was a member of the Orlando Wahoos from 1997-98. Defeo is a 1997 graduate of Southwestern Louisiana where she was a three-time All-American as well as a three time Academic All-American. Defeo holds a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice.

"Stephanie brings with her a wealth of experience both on the playing field and as coach," stated Curran. "We are estatic to have her as part of our staff here at UB."

Softball was played at UB until the1985-86 season and had some outstanding success in the State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) circuit including a 19-9 effort during the 1985 season accompanied by an appearance in the NCAA Division III Regioinal Tournament.

The Bulls are scheduled to practice this fall on UB's North Campus and will play a non-conference Division I schedule in the spring of 2000. The Bulls will become official members of the Mid-American Conference in the 2000-2001 academic year.