Dec. 5, 2005

DAVIS, Calif. - UC Davis head softball coach Karen Matteson-Yoder has announced the signing of three future Aggies to National Letters of Intent during the early signing period. The additions include Tracy Dean (San Diego, Calif./Cathedral Catholic HS), Michelle Espiritu (Mission Viejo, Calif./Capistrano HS) and Randi Golding (Napa, Calif./Napa HS).

Dean is an infielder who batted .443 last year as a junior. She was named Second-Team All-CIF - San Diego Section and First-Team CIF Division III. She is a First-Team All-Western League and league athlete-of-the-year. In addition, she has been named Union Tribune All-Academic twice as a softball player and twice as a field hockey player. As a junior, Dean led the team in batting average, slugging percentage (.914), on-base percentage (.524), runs scored and RBIs. She helped lead the team to a 15-7-2 record. As a sophomore, she led the team in batting average (.329), runs scored and home runs.

"Tracy has so many qualities we are excited about," says Matteson-Yoder. "Herathleticism and arm strength will strengthen our infield. At the plate she possesses good composure and power in a tremendous package."

Espiritu, an outfielder, was named Second-Team All South Coast League as a junior while receiving team defensive MVP honors. As a sophomore, she was selected team MVP while garnering Third-Team All-SCL honors.

"Michelle is a spark plug in the truest sense," says Matteson-Yoder. "She is a triple threat from the left side with amazing quickness. Her leadership in the outfield is evident from the moment she steps on the field."

Golding, an infielder, was a Second-Team All-League selection as a junior and received Honorable Mention All-League honors as a sophomore. Golding has also played a combined eight years with the Castro Valley Synergy, California Chaos and Napa Valley Express. She is a three-sport athlete (volleyball and basketball) at Napa HS.

"Randi is a proven utility player who will add to our infield," says Matteson-Yoder. "She has complimented four different positions combined in travel ball and high school, which illustrates her commitment to the team."

Matteson-Yoder enters her second season as UC Davis' head coach. The Aggies begin their regular season February 12 at home.