LAS CRUCES – New Mexico State head softball coach Kathy Rodolph announced Monday that she has signed two transferring pitchers to Financial Aid Agreements to play for the Aggies and attend school beginning in the fall.
Torrey Schroeder, a right-handed pitcher from Texas, and Alex Villalobos, a right-handed pitcher from Oklahoma State, will help fill the void in the circle that was created with Kim Watson’s graduation last spring. Both players are eligible for competition this upcoming season.
Rodolph said that the two transfers will bring more balance and experience to her pitching staff, which was something she was looking for.
“One thing we really needed once Kim (Watson) graduated was maturity and experience and someone who wants the No. 1 or No. 2 role, and we found just that with these two,” Rodolph said. “I’m really excited to have them because they are a perfect fit and will help our younger pitchers graduate, so-to-say, into being ready for top NCAA competition.”
Schroeder played three seasons with the Longhorns as a pitcher and first baseman. In 40 appearances in the circle she compiled a 12-4 record with a 3.54 ERA. She started 24 games at Texas, including a career-high 16 last season where she struck out 64 batters and opponents only hit .241 while facing her.
“Torrey’s got three years of experience where she played a significant role with the Longhorns,” Rodolph said. “She wants to go out on top and play a significant role and we’re pleased to have someone come in with that mentality.”
Schroeder was a three-time Academic All-Big 12 selection in her time at UT. In her prep career at Buchanan High School in Clovis, Calif., she earned first team all-America accolades after completing her high school career with 80 victories, 994 strikeouts and a 0.72 ERA.
Villalobos spent last season on the OSU pitching staff and one year prior to that at Central Arizona College. She appeared in 15 games for the Cowgirls, making two starts and finished her sophomore season at Oklahoma State with a 2-2 record and 2.90 ERA. The graduate from San Pasqual High School in Escondido, Calif., threw 31.1 innings for the Cowgirls in 2009 with one complete game and she fanned 15 batters.
In her year at Central Arizona College she made 41 appearances and finished with a 26-7 record in the circle, which was the best in the Arizona Community College Athletic Conference. Villalobos was twice honored as the NJCAA Region I Pitcher of the Week and led CAC into the NJCAA Division I national rankings, where they appeared as high as No. 6 on two occasions.
“Alex wants the ball and wants to compete for a No. 1 spot,” Rodolph added. “Anyone coming in with Big 12 experience has a great shot.”
The two pitchers, in addition to NM State’s young prospects will all work towards replacing Watson, who finished her career as the Aggies’ all-time career leader in strikeouts (667), appearances (151), starts (121) and wins (65).
Courtesy: Sam Wasson
