Zias sign four from Midland

PORTALES — Eastern New Mexico University softball coach Kevin Blaskowski has announced the signing of four players from Midland (Texas) College to national letters of intent.

The players are Tina Witt, a catcher from Riverside, Calif .; Jessica Nocas, a second baseman/shortstop from Crestline, Calif .; Adina Taul, an outfielder from Placentia, Calif., and Rosemary Moreno, a pitcher from Midland. All will be juniors this fall.

Midland has been a power in recent seasons in the junior college ranks. The Lady Chaps have won the last two Western Junior College Athletic Conference championships, going 58-8 in 2003 and 61-7 last spring.

Midland was second in Region V competition this spring after winning the regional title and placing seventh in in the NJCAA national tournament in 2003.

Blaskowski, whose first ENMU squad struggled through an 11-36 season, said the Zias should be in position to make large strides in 2005.

“”We’re very fortunate to get four talented players from one of the strongest junior colleges in the country,” Blaskowski said. “All four will make an immediate impact and will bring a winning mentality to our program.”

Witt batted .361 with 14 doubles, three homers and 42 RBI in 2003, and hit .339 with 12 doubles, six homers, 30 runs scored and 35 RBI last season. She was chosen Midland’s defensive player of the year in 2004.

Nocas hit .374 with three homers, 43 runs scored and 29 RBI last spring en route to All-WJCAC honors after batting .320 as a freshman. Blaskowski projects her as the team’s shortstop next spring, batting near the top of the order.

The switch-hitting Taul was honorable mention All-WJCAC in both seasons at Midland, hitting .369 as a freshman and .290 last year.

After making just five appearances in 2003, Moreno earned All-WJCAC honors last spring in posting a 22-4 record and a 1.98 earned run average. Moreno walked just 15 batters while striking out 82 in 169 innings, with 29 starts and 21 complete games.

“Rose has made herself into a solid college pitcher,” Blaskowski said. “She makes the most of her abilities. She’s not overpowering, but she’s a talented pitcher who will fit well into our pitching staff.”