By, Brandon Rebboah (SCU Media Relations)

SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Santa Clara University softball head coach Lisa Mize announced the signing of six prep recruits who will attend Santa Clara and play for the Broncos in 2011-12. The signees promise to make the biggest impact on the infield as Mize is adding three infielders, two pitchers and a catcher.

The 2011-12 class includes:
Briana "Breezy" Bernard (C, Linfield Christian High School/Temecula, Calif.)
Elizabeth "Jaymi" Bautista-Geiger (RHP/UT, Oak Hall High School/Gainesville, Fla.)
Briana Rios (LHP, Central Catholic High School/Modesto, Calif.)
Jenna Krummen (INF, Alhambra High School/Martinez, Calif.)
Jordan Newell (INF, Saint Ignatius Prep/San Bruno, Calif.)
Ashley Haney (INF, Aptos High School/Watsonville, Calif.)

The Broncos have signed catcher Briana "Breezy" Bernard from Linfield Christian High School in Temecula, Calif. During her junior season Bernard played in 23 games while batting .478. Bernard totaled 20 RBI, stole eight bases, and led her team in doubles with nine.

"Breezy is a catcher with a cannon of an arm. She is very intelligent behind the plate and knows how to take charge of the infield. She can also call a great game for the pitcher," said Mize. "I know Breezy is going to make an immediate impact to our program both offensively and defensively."

One of the two pitchers signed by the Broncos is RHP/UT Elizabeth "Jaymi" Bautista-Geiger
from Oak Hall High School in Gainesville, Fla. In addition to her high school success, she has also played for the Peruvian National Softball Team.

"Jaymi is an extremely hard working pitcher. Her experience playing on the international circuit, as well a great travel ball club (Gold Coast Hurricanes) will make for a smooth transition into NCAA Div. I softball," praised Mize of her lone out-of-state signee. "She is also a powerful hitter and will add another big bat to our lineup. Jaymi is a fierce competitor and will be fun to watch on the mound and at the plate."

To supplement to the right-handed pitching of Bautista-Geiger the Broncos have also signed Briana Rios a lefty from Central Catholic High School in Modesto, Calif. During her junior season at Central Catholic, Rios posted a 1.98 ERA in 85 innings pitched. She struck out a team-leading 109 batters during her junior campaign.

"Briana spins the ball extremely well and being a 'south paw' will complement our pitching staff tremendously," commented Mize.  "Brianna is a deceiving pitcher and does a great job of keeping hitters off balance. Briana possesses a great work ethic on the field and in the classroom and I am thrilled to have her be a part of the Bronco family."

On top of the two pitchers, Mize has also inked three infielders that look to add flexibility to the Bronco lineup. Mize feels all three of these infielders can contribute right away next season.

Jenna Krummen, an infielder from Alhambra High School in Martinez, Calif. was signed to bolster the Bronco infield. During her junior season, the infielder hit .274 and led her team in triples. She also stole 14 bases during her junior season.

"Jenna is a hard worker and great competitor that will bring a lot of energy to next year's squad," said Mize. "Jenna can play the corners very well and is a consistent hitter up at the plate with the ability to drive the ball."

Also added was Jordan Newell from San Bruno, Calif., who played her high school softball less than an hour north of SCU's Mission Campus at Saint Ignatius Prep in San Francisco. Her ability to play all over the infield should help her be a contributor as soon as she arrives.

"Jordan plays the middle-infield very well and can play second base or shortstop equally well. She can run the bases and has the ability to hit the ball gap-to-gap," said Mize. "Jordan is a gamer and will definitely be a contributor in our lineup next year."

Another infielder that the Broncos have added is Ashley Haney from Watsonville, Calif. who attended Aptos High School. Haney's versatility helped her Aptos team finish with a 20-6 record her junior season.

"Ashley has good range and is a solid glove in the infield. She has great game sense and a good eye at the plate. I am proud to have her here as a Bronco," said Mize.