ENMU teams make additions

PORTALES — The Eastern New Mexico University softball team has added four players, including a Division I transfer and a sibling junior college pair.

Pitcher Kim Herron, infielder Lauren Likes, outfielder Emma Gary and pitcher/outfielder Hanna Gary will join the Greyhounds for the 2018 season, according to a school release.

"I could not be more excited about where this team is headed,” ENMU coach Katie Welborn said. "I have faith that the girls we recently signed will be the building blocks we need to be a competitive program. Each one of these girls bring knowledge of the game, experience, and grit that our team needs. The returning Greyhounds and new ones will be fun to watch; this will be a great year."

Herron posted a 2.88 ERA for Dodge City Community college last year and registered 18 of the team’s 28 wins, while striking out 146 batters and holding batters to a .268 average.

Likes is a transfer from Weber State University.

Emma Gary batted .580 with nine homers and 58 RBIs and Hanna Gary batted .504 with nine homers, 55 RBIs and 15 stolen bases to help Lake Region State post a 31-5 record.

Of the prospects, softball coach Katie Welborn said:

• Herron: "I'm very excited to add another arm in our circle. Kim will be able to step into the game with experience which will be invaluable. I can't wait to see where Kim's pitching can take us."

• Likes: "Lauren was our missing puzzle piece for our infield. I truly believe she will be able to fill the big shoes left by our middle infielders from years before. We are very excited to have her as an addition to the Greyhound diamond."

• Emma Gary: "She has a great base of softball knowledge and wields a big bat. She adds depth to both our outfield and lineup. Emma will be a fun player to watch. "

• Hanna Gary: "Hanna is a chameleon. I know that wherever I put her, she will not only succeed, but exceed all expectations. She will be utilized everywhere from theENMU team outfield, to the lineup, even the pitching circle. She is the utility player that can make all the difference."

Volleyball adds Escobar

A former Greyhound volleyball player has come back into the fold as an assistant coach.

Evelyn Escobar spent the 2011 and 2012 seasons with the Greyhounds. She recorded 265 kills, 183 digs and 42 blocks over her two seasons.

"I'm looking forward to having Evelyn on the staff," Greyhound coach Sia Poyer said. "She is a student of the game, a hard-worker, young, energetic and full of zeal and passion to be a coach at the college level."

The Greyhounds are coming off a 19-13 campaign, including a fourth-place Lone Star Conference finish and the program’s first LSC tournament win in 12 seasons.

The Greyhounds open the season Sept. 1 against Wayne State in a neutral-site game at the Oredigger Classic in Golden, Colorado.