SOFTBALL ADDS NINE NEWCOMERS TO 2023 ROSTER

FLORENCE – University of North Alabama head softball coach Ashley Cozart has announced the addition of nine players to the Lions 2022-23 recruiting class. UNA added six transfers and three true freshman to a team that posted a 40-20 record last season.

"I am so excited about this recruiting class," said Cozart, who is entering her 10^th season at UNA. "We have a great mix of transfers and freshmen and all of them have that 'IT' factor of what it takes to be successful at our level. We have some big positions to fill after this past season and I am excited to see these girls step in and help us right away. They are all not only very talented, but such amazing girls who will help make our culture strong and strive to meet our goals. I look forward to seeing what our new team looks like this fall."

McKenzie Patterson played two seasons at Itawamba Community College in Mississippi. The outfielder from Corinth was a two-time first team MACCC all-conference selection and was named the 2022 MACCC Player of the Year. She was also an NFCA All-America Scholar Athlete. As a sophomore, Patterson batted .382 with 52 hits, including 11 doubles, two triples and three home runs. She drive in 30 runs and scored 49 times.

Danielle Taitt played her first two seasons at Middle Tennessee, where she pitched and played first base. The Snellville, Ga., native was named to the Conference USA Commissioner's Honor Roll. In two seasons with the Blue Raiders, she played in 32 games, including 21 appearances in the circle. She made her debut in the circle as a true freshman against nationally-ranked Missouri. Taitt finished her sophomore season with a 4.82 ERA and a 2-3 record, while recording 13 strikeouts and one complete game over 40.2 innings of work.

Hannah Embry comes to UNA from Pearl River Community College, where the team earned a No. 9 national NJCAA ranking. The pitcher from Vicksburg, Miss., was named freshman MVP in 2021 and was a first team MACCC all-conference selection. As a freshman, she totaled 140 strikeouts with a 3.18 earned run average. The following year, she lowered her ERA to 3.11 and added another 107 strikeouts.

Felicity Frame played her freshman and sophomore seasons at Wallace State Community College in Hanceville. The outfielder from Brookwood batted leadoff for the Lions, hitting .511 during her career with 178 hits, 144 runs scored and 114 stolen bases. She was recognized at the Alabama Sports Writers Association Community College Athlete of the Year. Frame, also the 2022 Alabama Community College Conference (ACCC) Player of the Year and a NJCAA Division I first team All-American.

Lilly Werling will be a true freshman at UNA after a standout prep career at Cordova High School. She batted over .400 all four seasons at the varsity level, including a .469 showing as a senior. She added 45 hits, 45 RBI and 10 home runs during the 2022 campaign. Playing DH, Werling was a Class 5A second team All-State selection. She was named the team's offensive MVP and was also the class valedictorian.

Gracie Benton is another transfer from Wallace State. The outfielder was a first team All-Region 22 and third team All-America selection. She also earned MVP honors at the ACCC Tournament. Her career batting average at Wallace State was .364 and included 31 home runs.

Jaiden Farnetti rounds out the trio of Wallace State signees. The short stop from West Blocton earned ACCC all-tournament honors both seasons in Hanceville. She was a first team All-North selection and second team All-Region 22 pick in 2021. Her two-year totals include 112 games played, 10 home runs, 86 RBI and 125 hits. She was also a two-time NJCAA All-Academic selection.

Becca Benton comes to UNA after leading Hayden High School to a state championship her senior season. The younger sister of Gracie was the Class 5A Tournament MVP. She also won a state title with the Wildcats in 2019 and finished her prep varsity career with a .434 batting average and 60 home runs.

Hannah Price played at Rogers High School, earning six varsity letters. She earned multiple all-area, all-region and All-State awards. She added area and state all-tournament honors as a freshman. Her junior year, she posted an earned run average of .790 and led the nation in strikeouts (504) and pitching victories (39). She was a first team All-State selection and named the ASWA Class 4A Pitcher of the Year.

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