CLEVELAND – Delta State University Lady Statesmen softball head coach Casey Bourgoyne announced the addition of seven signees to the 2009 recruiting class on Wednesday. The bevy of new additions brings this season's signing class to eight, and the list includes some of the top talent in the state and region. Joining the Lady Statesmen in 2010 includes: Brittany Gonzales (1B/P), Alyssa D'Aurelio (OF), Crista Richard (OF), Kendall Sizemore (C), Taylor Hughes (INF/OF), Anna Wesleigh Riggs (UTL/P), and Alexx Havens (C). 

“We're very excited about the caliber of student-athlete coming into this program next season,” said Bourgoyne. “We have state title contenders, all-star candidates, and National Honor Society members.  The talent level of this class is one of the best we've had in many years.” 

Gonzales, a four-year letter-winner for Live Oak High School in Denham Springs, La., posted a 14-3 record in 2009 with a miniscule 0.25 ERA, including 10 shutouts. The hard-throwing pitcher received All-State, All-Parish, All-Metro, and All-District for her performances on the field. She is currently playing summer ball for the Louisiana Patriots. 

D'Aurelio, a four-year letter-winner from Lexington, Mo., played the past two seasons for North Central Missouri Junior College. At NCMJC, D'Aurelio helped guide the squad to a 39-15 record and a second place finish in the region. The speedy outfielder was named All-Region and Team Captain last season.  Prior to NCMJC, D'Aurelio played four seasons at Lexington High where she was a second team All-Region and All-District pick. 

Richard, a two-year letter-winner at Alabama Southern Community College, was one of the top centerfielders in the Alabama Junior College system. The Crowley, La., native was named All-Region and All-Conference in both her freshman and sophomore seasons. 

Sizemore, a four-year letter-winner for the Cleveland High Lady Wildcats, helped guide CHS to Mississippi High School Activities Association State Championships in 2005 and 2008. The hard-hitting catcher and honors graduate was named to The Bolivar Commercial All-Area Fastpitch Team in 2007 and All-Star Team in 2009. Sizemore took home CHS's Best Defensive Player Award in 2007 and Best Offensive Player Award in 2008. 

Hughes, a two-time All-State selection for Morton High School, was one of the top utility players/pitchers in Mississippi in 2009. The Morton native helped guide MHS to the MHSAA 2006 South State title, where she was named the MHSAA Division Player of the Year. The Morton High salutatorian was a four-time All-District selection and MHS MVP all four years. 

Riggs, a utility player/pitcher from Tupelo High School, is a four-time Pitcher of the Year and two-time THS Offensive Player of the Year. The honors grad, with a 3.8 GPA plans on majoring in pre-med studies, was selected to player in NEMSCA All-Star Game, and a four-time Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal All-Area First Team. 

Havens, an All-Conference selection at catcher for Desoto Central High School, claimed the DCHS Hustle Awards in 2006 and 2007. The honors grad finished her playing career with a 3.5 GPA. Havens played in the National High School Softball Championships in 2008, while clinching All-Conference accolades in 2009. 

The Lady Statesmen and coach Casey Bourgoyne expect to add additional signees this summer. As additional information is made available, it will be released on www.GoStatesmen.com.