Bronx, N.Y. – Head coach Melissa Inouye and the Fordham softball program have today announced its their 2020 recruiting class, comprised of Bella Ayala, Bailey Enoch, and Julia Petrovich. The trio make up the graduating Class of 2024.
 

"We're excited to welcome our three freshmen – Bailey, Bella, and Julia, who have had success on and off the field," Inouye said, "This talented trio all played on good travel ball teams in California, New Jersey, and New York, respectively, and in some of the best tournaments across the country. We feel their skills further increase our team's depth and will help us continue to succeed in the Atlantic 10 and in postseason play. We look forward to working with them and seeing them succeed on the field and in the classroom as part of our RAMily."
 
Ayala, a 5'5 infielder from Roseville, Calif., spent the past four seasons, including two as team captain, at Roseville High under head coach Art Banks. As a junior, Ayala earned First Team All-CVC honors and was named her team's defensive MVP. Over the course of her four-year tenure, she totaled a .973 fielding percentage. As a senior, she was selected to playing in the Evening High School Optimist All-Star game before it was cancelled due to the ongoing pandemic. Ayala was also a three-year member of the girls basketball program, earning junior varsity MVP as team captain during her freshman year. Off the field, she was a three-time recipient of the Double Gold Academic Merit award, garnering a 4.0 GPA or better during the year, as well as a winner of the President's Award for Educational Excellence as a senior. She was also a founding member of her school's Political Education Club, serving as vice president. Ayala played her club ball with the All American Sports Academy.  
 
"Bella is a smooth, athletic infielder with very good fundamentals and footwork. She adds good depth to a few positions in the field as she has good range and game awareness. She has a quiet confidence and presence about her on the field."
 
Enoch, a 6'0 pitcher/infielder, played at Burlington Township under head coach Nicolette Cannizzaro, where she was a three-time All-Conference and All-Group 3 selection before this past season was cancelled, helping her team to two Patriot Division championships. Enoch was named the Burlington County Times Player of the Year and All-South Jersey as a sophomore, then was named Burlington County Player of the Year by NJ.com, as well as South Jersey Sports Weekly, also garnering Third Team All-State honors. Enoch also played soccer and basketball, participating in last year's Burlington Township holiday tournament in the latter, making the All-Tournament team. She played her club ball with the New Jersey Gators. Off the field, she was a member of the National Honors Society, her school's Falcon Club, and a NJSIAA scholar athlete.  
 
"Bailey is an athletic pitcher with a good pitching frame and mechanics. She has good velocity on her pitches and also has the ability to contribute with her bat. She is a nice addition to our talented pitching staff."
 
Petrovich, a 6'0 infielder, played at Walter Panas under head coach Dale Chappelle, serving as team captain the last two years. Her first three seasons, she was named to the Section One All-League squad, including an All-Section honorable mention in 2016. She joined the team proper in 2018, also landing spots on the 6^th Team Class A All-State and Westchester/Putnam All-Star team. A three-time LoHud Preseason All Star each of the year years prior to the cancelled 2020 campaign, she led her team to NYS Class A Section and Regional championships as a junior, reaching the state semi-finals. Following the year, she was awarded the Superintendent Athletic Achievement award. She played her club ball with the New Jersey Intensity, playing under new teammate Brielle Cerchio's father, Dave. Her sister also plays collegiately nearby at Stony Brook. Off the field, Petrovich was a four-year member of the High Honor Roll, a three-year member of the National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society, as well as a New York Scholar Athlete.
 
"Julia can play both corner infield positions and brings power to our program. She has good fundamentals, great size and strength, and a great work ethic about her."
 
The 2020 softball season, along with all Spring sports and still-ongoing winter sports across the college landscape, was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic.