BEAUMONT, Texas – Lamar University softball coach Holly Bruder had a productive signing class, as she announced Friday that seven student-athletes signed a National Letter of Intent to attend LU on a softball scholarship starting in the fall of 2018.
 
Coming to LU are Alicia De Leon, Regan Dunn, Bethany Edwards, Savana Mata, Arianna Perales, Bailey Tindell and A.J. Williams.
 
"I'm excited about this year's signing class," Bruder said. "We signed some players who can make an immediate impact, while at the same time, we added quality depth."
 
De Leon (Kingwood, Texas/Atascocita HS), who can play infield or outfield, has been a member of Atascocita's varsity team since her freshman year, helping her team win two regional titles. She has also played travel softball for the ScrapYard Dawgs, one of the nation's top travel teams, for the past three seasons.
 
"A true utility player, Alicia will have an opportunity at several positions," Bruder said. "We lose several starters in 2018, so Alicia will have her chances right away."
 
Dunn (Cuero, Texas/Cuero HS) posted a 0.70 ERA as a junior with 260 strikeouts. In her three years at Cuero, she has struck out 852 batters. An all-state pitcher in each of her first three seasons, she has also been productive offensively, batting .525 as a junior.
 
"Regan is a true versatile player who has an opportunity to play anywhere on the field," Bruder said. "A natural left-hander at the plate, she can hit to all parts of the field."
 
Edwards (Belton, Texas/Belton HS) was a first-team all-state catcher each of the past two seasons after earning honorable-mention accolades at first base as a freshman. The District 8-6A Offensive Player of the Year as a junior, Edwards hit .539 with seven home runs and 45 RBIs.
 
"Bethany is a catcher who has competed against some of the best players in Texas," Bruder said. "She comes in with skill and strength. Bethany is a strong girl who wants her name to be known from Day 1."
 
Mata (Pasadena, Texas/Pasadena Memorial HS) hit .431 as a junior, earning first-team all-district honors for the second consecutive year after earning second-team accolades as a freshman. She plays travel ball with the Aces Express Gold.
 
"Savana will bring a versatility and a great glove to our infield," Bruder said. "She plays aggressively and smart."
 
Perales (Waco, Texas/University HS) earned first-team all-district recognition as a shortstop for the third straight year last season after batting .462. She plays travel softball for Buzz Gold.
 
"Arianna may fool opponents with her size," Bruder said. "This kid is a tiger at the plate and in the middle infield. She is a smart player and will compete with every returner."
 
Tindell (Belton, Texas/Salado High School) earned first-team All-District 4A accolades for the second straight season as a pitcher. She holds the school's single-season and career records for pitching wins.
 
"Bailey is going to make an impact right away," Bruder said. "Taking over for the quality pitchers we've had over the years, I think Bailey will come in and make a difference right from the start."
 
Williams (Round Rock, Texas/Cedar Ridge HS) has helped Cedar Ridge win three consecutive District 13-6A championships. A team captain last season, she earned honorable-mention all-district status. She plays travel softball for the Austin Stars Garcia and Texas Blaze Gold Slimp. Her brother, played six seasons at safety for the Buffalo Bills. Her brother played baseball for Arizona State, while her father played football at San Francisco State. Her uncle, Ken Taylor, was a member of the Chicago Bears that won Super Bowl XX.
 
"A.J. is an extremely strong player who comes from a background of athletes," Bruder said. "She knows the game and plays hard. Her offensive ability will strengthen our lineup."
 
The Cardinals went 34-31 last season, advancing to the championship game of the National Invitational Softball Championship in their first appearance in a national postseason tournament since reviving the program in 2013.