ASHLAND -- With the 2012 season about to begin, Southern Oregon softball coach Kim Fritts took her first step toward solidifying her 2013 roster by picking up a pair of recent commitments from high school seniors Emily Strom and Brianne Craig.

Strom, an outfielder from Santa Ana, Calif., batted .535 with a .605 on base percentage as a junior in 2011 for the Foothill High School varsity softball team. She also stole 11 bases and has earned scholar athlete recognition for softball, volleyball and track, along with the Principal's High Honor Roll award. She is the starting center fielder and leadoff hitter for the CASE Batbusters travel team.

“Emily is a natural lefty and a triple threat at the plate with lots of speed,” Fritts said. “Her speed and strong arm are just what we'll need to help fill the gap next season when we'll lose two veteran outfielders. We are pleased that Emily choose SOU, as she is one of those athletes who will raise the bar for the program.”

Craig is a pitcher for Etiwanda High School in Rialto, Calif. Throughout her career she has been named to numerous all-star games and received various team awards focusing on defense and sportsmanship. She also competes with the Corona Express 18 Gold travel team.

“Brianne is going to have some tough shoes to fill, but I think she is just the pitcher to do that,” Fritts said. “I have watched Brianne shut down some of the top travel teams in the country. Her ball moves well and she has a great presence on the mound.”

The 2012 SOU softball season will begin Feb. 10, when the Raiders will travel to Redding, Calif., to play six weekend games as part of the Simpson Tournament.