Dec. 17, 2008

Bronx, N.Y. - Fordham Head Softball Coach Bridget Orchard announced the addition of five student-athletes to play softball at Fordham University, starting with the 2010 season. The five student athletes are outfielder Jessica Crowley (Suffern, N.Y./Suffern), pitcher/infielder Jamie LaBovick (Peoria, Ariz./Sunrise Mountain), shortstop Chelsea Palumbo (Tabernacle, N.J./Seneca), pitcher/infielder Jamie Pollak (Chandler, Ariz./Corona del Sol), and outfielder Katherine VanBenschoten (Cranford, N.J./Cranford).

"This is one of the strongest classes that we have brought in to Fordham," said Orchard. "We were able to bring in two pitchers that can also play the corner infield positions, a shortstop, and two outfielders, which will help our team next season."

A fourth generation of the family to attend Fordham, Crowley has seen action at virtually every position at Suffern High School, but should be an outfielder at Rose Hill. A four-year starter, she was named team captain as a sophomore and earned All-Section and All-League honors twice (2007-08). She currently plays travel ball for East Coast Elite Gold, which went to the ASA Gold Nationals in their inaugural year. Away from the field, Crowley is a member of the National Honor Society and the Honor Roll, as has been a volunteer at softball clinics and practices for local recreation and 10U to 14U travel teams.

"Jess has a great work ethic and can cover a lot of area in the outfield. She played summer ball with current Ram Jo Krasnisky and should fit in well with the team," said Orchard.

LaBovick, one of two recruits from Arizona, is a two-time 5A All-State selection, earning First Team honors in 2008. A two-time First Team All-Region selection as a pitcher, she has helped Sunrise Mountain go deep into the State Championship. In 2006, she threw a perfect game in the semifinals and a one-hitter in the championship game, as Sunrise Mountain captured the 5A State Championship. In 2008, she bettered her performance in the championship game, throwing a no-hitter. For summer ball, she plays for the Arizona Hot Shots, which took third place at the 2008 ASA Gold National Championship.

"Jamie is a pitcher that can hit and also play first base. She is an outstanding All-State pitcher from Arizona, who will contribute to our pitching staff right away," said Orchard.

Palumbo, one of two recruits from New Jersey, is a varsity softball player at Seneca High School, helping the team to two Division championships (2006-07) and the 2007 Carpenter Cup. She earned First Team All-Group honors twice (2006-07) and First Team All-County honors in 2008. In 2007, she was the Courier Post's "Player to Watch" and earned the team MVP award. Playing with fellow recruit Katherine VanBenschoten, she helped her summer team, West Jersey Witches Gold to the NJ ASA Championship. Away from the field, Palumbo is a three-time member of the Honor Roll.

"Chelsea is a solid shortstop with great athleticism. She has the speed and power to make an immediate impact next season," said Orchard.

A 5-8 utility player that can play either corner infield spot or pitch, Pollak is a two-time All-City utility player in Tempe, Arizona. A two-time Second Team All-Central Region performer, she has helped Corona del Sol to two Central Region championships (2006-07) and two State championship runner-up finishes (2006, 2008). A two-year starter at Corona del Sol, she plays summer ball for the Arizona Outlaws Gold. Pollak is the latest family member to reach at the Division I level, as her brother Mike was an offensive lineman at Arizona State and a second round draft pick of the Indianapolis Colts, while her other brother is a freshman catcher at Arizona State.

"Jamie is a corner infielder, who can also pitch. She is a very strong player, who will add depth to the line-up as well as the pitching staff," said Orchard.

VanBenschoten, a native of Cranford, New Jersey, was the Star Ledger Hitter of the Year as a junior as well as First Team All-State, hitting .629 with 15 home runs, 40 RBI, 36 runs scored, and a 1.435 slugging percentage. She is a three-time First Team All-Union County selection as well as a two-time First Team All-Group 3 selection, and earned Union County Rookie of the Year honors in 2006. Thus far, she has amassed a .526 career batting average, 108 runs, 92 RBI, and 38 home runs. Playing with fellow recruit Chelsea Palumbo, she helped her summer team, West Jersey Witches Gold to the NJ ASA Championship. Away from the field, VanBenschoten is a member of the National and Math Honor Societies as well as the Honor Roll.

"Kat has a powerful bat and big game experience. We look for her to step in right away and contribute in the outfield," said Orchard.