Softball Adds Six in Fall Signing Period

HARRISONBURG, Va. – Six athletes sign National Letters of Intent to join James Madison softball, Head Coach Loren LaPorte announced on Thursday afternoon.

"Our staff is thrilled to welcome these six future Dukes to our program," said LaPorte. "There is so much athleticism, speed and versatility within the class and we are excited about the impact they will make. Not only are they great softball players, but their passion, work ethic and willingness to be great is something that makes this group special!"

Two will come to JMU from in-state, three come from the east coast and one will make the trek cross-country from California.

Name: Liana Antonelli
Height: 5-4
Position: Infield
Hometown/High School: Providence, R.I./La Salle Academy
Career Highlights: 1A First Team All-Division and Second Team All-State in 2018…First Team All-Division and First Team All-State in 2017…First Team All-Division and Second Team All-State in 2016…Member of the Rhode Island Thunder Gold 18U Lotti team that was ranked 24th in the country in 2018, 40th in 2017, and 44th in 2016…
LaPorte's Thoughts: "Liana plays with so much passion and grit. She has great hands and range in the infield and can do a lot of things in the box."

Name: Reed Butler
Height: 5-9
Position: Infield
Hometown/High School: Pomfret, Md./Maurice J. McDonough
Career Highlights: 1A First Team All-Southern Maryland Athletic Conference in 2018, batting .600…Most Outstanding Player Award in 2018…First Team All-Southern Maryland Athletic Conference in 2017 batting .450…1A All-Southern Maryland Conference Honorable Mention in 2016…Member of the 2017 Virginia Unity 18U Gold National Championship Team…Four-sport athlete at Maurice J. McDonough participating in soccer, basketball, swimming and softball

LaPorte's Thoughts: "Reed's athleticism and strength is second to none. She has an absolute cannon for an arm and tremendous power at the plate."

Name: Jessica Ford
Height: 5-9
Position: Infield
Hometown/High School: Stanardsville, Va./William Monroe
Career Highlights: First Team All-Conference shortstop as well as First Team All-District shortstop following her junior season...3A First Team All-Conference as a utility player and 3A Second Team All-Region in the same position following her sophomore campaign…after her freshman year, she was named First Team All-Conference as a pitcher…

LaPorte's Thoughts: "Jessica is a very smooth and composed player. She has a great plate presence and runs like a deer in the outfield."

Name: BriAnna Goris
Height: 5-4
Position: Infield
Hometown/High School: Corona, Ca./Corona
Career Highlights: Southern Conference Division 3 All-League Award in 2018…Member of So Cal Athletics Turner of Orange Country…First Team All-League Academic Award in 2018…played on the varsity team for all four years…

LaPorte's Thoughts: "BriAnna Goris is a power hitter who can hit to all fields extremely well. She is always in control with her at bats and is clutch in pressure situations."

Name: Emily Phillips
Height: 5-9
Position: Infield/Catcher
Hometown/High School: Chesapeake, Va./Greenbrier Christian Academy
Career Highlights: First Team TCIS All-Conference and VISAA First Team All-State in during her junior campaign… VHSL Conference II First Team All-Conference in 2017…VHSL Conference II First Team All-Conference in 2016…

LaPorte's Thoughts: "Emily's work ethic and love for the game is unbelievable. She is a great receiver and defensive catcher who controls the game behind the plate."

Name: Kara Starnes
Height: 5-3
Position: Outfield
Hometown/High School: Marshville, N.C./Forest Hills
Career Highlights: First Team All-Rocky River Conference in 2018…UCHSSoftball.com Honorable Mention in 2017 and team MVP…Member of Carolina Elite 18U and Greenville SC 18U…Scholar Athlete Academic Honors at Forest Hills… Member of the National English Honor Society and Student Council
LaPorte's Thoughts: "Kara is a fierce competitor who plays with so much heart on the field. Her hustle and desire to be great is contagious. She will provide us with a lot of speed in the outfield."