North Dakota State Softball Adds Three to Roster
8/3/2007 5:00:00 AM | Softball
Granite Hills (Calif.) High School's Nicole Rivera has signed a letter intent and South Dakota State University Kim Westendorf will transfer to play softball and continue their education at North Dakota State. In addition, C.M. Russell (Mont.) High School's Bobbie Lee has been accepted for admission at NDSU and will play softball. Head coach Darren Mueller made the announcements today.
Rivera played shortstop, third base and outfield for Granite Hills. She was the Grossmount League's Player of the Year and a three-time all-conference selection. She was named to the San Diego Union Tribune first team and the CIF (California Interscholastic Federation) second team in 2007.
Nicole is the daughter of Norm and Grace Rivera of Lakeside Calif.
"Nicole going to bring a lot of athleticism to our team. She has tremendous speed and arm strength that will make an immediate impact for us. We are very excited to have Nicole as a part of our program," said Mueller.
Westendorf will redshirt in 2008. The right-handed pitcher compiled a 34-52 record with 13 shutouts, five saves and a 3.19 earned run average in 118 appearances over three years for the Jackrabbits. Her best season came in 2006 when she compiled a 14-18 record with two saves and 2.38 ERA.
A 2006 All-Division I independent second team selection, Westendorf has struck out 364 and walked 163 in 520.1 innings pitched.
"We are very excited to add Kim to our program. She is a gamer who fought through injuries last season," said Mueller.
"Kim will be redshirting for us this season which will give her a chance to learn our system and will give us excellent leadership on the mound next season."
Westendorf earned all-state honors from both the Minnesota Coaches Association and St. Paul Pioneer Press pitching for Mankato East High School in 2003 and 2004. She led Mankato East to a pair of Class 3A tourney appearances including the 2004 state consolation title.
Kim is daughter of John and Lori Westendorf of Mankato, Minn. She is a chemistry major. She was a two-time independent all-academic team pick.
Lee played third base and outfield for the high school that produced NDSU All-American and assistant coach Lindsey Graham. Graham was an assistant at C.M. Russell last. A two-time all-state selection for C.M. Russell (21-3), she was named the 2007 Montana Player of the Year by Gatorade.
The Rustlers' leadoff hitter, Lee was the heart and soul of the Class AA state champions. She set school single-season records for runs (42) and hits (46) and finished the year with a .474 batting average, seven home runs, 38 RBI and a .804 slugging percentage.
Bobbie is the daughter of Robert Lee and Cori Mader, both from Great Falls, Mont. Bobbie plans to major in psychology
North Dakota State compiled a 34-23 record in 2007, it's first winning season as a Division I program. The Bison begin competition in The Summit League in 2008.
