Jan. 4, 2006

DAVIS, Calif. - UC Davis softball head coach Karen Matteson-Yoder has announced Sarah O'Neill will join the team for the 2006 season after transferring from New Mexico State. O'Neill brings to the Aggies an impressive freshman campaign at NMSU which followed a stellar high school career in Napa.

O'Neill, a native of Napa, started all 60 games she played in last year for New Mexico State. She was named the Sun Belt Conference Freshman of the Year and earned National Fastpitch Coaches Asscociation (NFCA) Scholar-Athlete honors. She led the Aggies in batting average (.301), hits (53), RBIs (38), doubles (16), home runs (8), total bases (93) and slugging (.528).

"Sarah brings a tremendous offensive threat that will undoubtedly make an immediate impact on our lineup," says Matteson-Yoder. "We welcome her with open arms and enthusiasm to UC Davis."

O'Neill completed a stand-out prep career at Vintage High School. She was an All-Monticello Empire League First Team selection as a junior and senior. As a senior, she set school records for RBIs and triples. She also was a runner-up for MEL Player of the Year honors while capturing All-Napa County Co-Player of the Year honors. O'Neil was an All-County and All-Metro First Team selection and was named All-State Second Team.

UC Davis begins its season Feb. 12 when it hosts a doubleheader with Santa Clara.