June 2, 2006

DAVIS, Calif. - UC Davis head softball coach Karen Matteson-Yoder has announced the signing of Erin Emde to an athletics aid agreement. Emde recently completed a standout prep career at Murrieta Valley High School in Murrieta where she starred in the circle and at first base.

Emde helped lead the Nighthawks to a pair of Southwestern League titles as well as two runner-up finishes in her four-year career. Murrieta advanced to the CIF Southern Section Division 2 playoffs three times in her career and advanced to the quarterfinals of this year's tournament. Emde is a four-time First-Team All-League and First-Team All-Valley selection.

Emde batted .310 in 29 games as a senior with 11 RBIs and 18 runs scored. She also collected seven extra base hits on the year. In the circle, Emde went 11-1 with a 0.77 ERA and struck out 100 batters in 82.0 innings.

"I am excited about the addition of Erin to our club," said Matteson-Yoder. "Her offensive abilities will be an exciting addition to our squad. Anytime you can add a player with Erin's intensity and athletic abilities, you are gaining an advantage."

Emde joins Stacey Hains (Selma, Calif./Fowler HS) as part of the Aggies' spring signing class. UC Davis just completed the third year of a four-year transition from Division II to Division I. The Aggies will be official members of the Big West Conference beginning with the 2008 season.