University of Memphis Athletics
Nov 13, 2014 | Softball
MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The University of Memphis softball team signed five, including a local pitcher during the early signing period that started Wednesday for the 2015-16 class.
Tennessee natives Christen Torres (middle infielder - Knoxville) and Bayleigh Wisher (pitcher - Collierville) signed national letters of intent to play with the Tigers on Wednesday. Wisher will be the second Tiger from Collierville, as freshman Addison Maxwell is also from the area, though the two went to separate high schools.
Massac County High School's Jessica Lamb (outfielder - Metropolis, Ill.) also signed an offer of admission to play for the Tigers on Wednesday afternoon.
Third baseman and Cerritos, Calif. native Tyler Johnson signed early Thursday morning, and Mississippi's Molly Murphy signed Friday afternoon to round out the 2015-16 early signing period class.
"We lose two seniors, and so to gain five really good athletes, I'm excited, "Coach Natalie Poole said. "I think they're going to add some depth in our infield and outfield, pitching and behind the plate. Collectively they have an opportunity to impact our entire field."
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Tyler Johnson |
Tyler Johnson  |
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Tyler Johnson lettered all four years at Mayfair High School coached by Erin Brown. In 2014 she led the Suburban League in homeruns, and finished in the Top 5 in RBI, Slugging Percentage and Runs.
In club, she was coached by Javier Olmos with the Lakewood Firecrackers 18U. The Lakewood Firecrackers finished 2014 in 5th place of the PGF Platinum Division.
She's very athletic, very agile, moves well and has a great arm," Poole said. "She has some power at the plate. She's definitely a kid who can be a doubles and homerun hitter for us."
Third base is her primary position. Last year, Johnson had a fielding percentage of .968. At the plate, she batted .422 with 21 runs and 21 RBI. She is the daughter of Aaron and Chandra Johnson.
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Jessica Lamb |
Jessica Lamb |
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Jessica Lamb is a three-time All-Conference, two-time All-South, All-State Second Team (2012) and All-State Third Team (2013) selection as a center fielder for Massac County High School in Metropolis, Ill. In 2014, she hit .430 with 37 hits and set a record with 37 stolen bases. She lettered in three seasons, making it to Regionals in 2012 and 2013.
Lamb played club softball for Midland Magic from 2012 to now, amassing 128 stolen bases in her time and making an appearance at the Gold Nationals in 2013.
We've had her committed for a little bit, and I think she's going to do a fantastic job," Poole said. "She's very solid in her position. She knows her position. She has some great speed and she does a good job of finding her way on base."
Lamb also played for the junior varsity basketball team in 2011. She is the daughter of Angela and John Lamb.
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Christen Torres |
Christen Torres |
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Christen Torres is a three year letter-winner in softball for Knoxville Catholic High School, where she played shortstop and third base. Her coach was Sarah Fekete Bailey, who was a two-time All-American with the University of Tennessee. Torres also had three letters in cheerleading, and two in volleyball as an outside hitter.
Torres was named 2014 All-District and 2014 All-District tournament, and she was also named the 2014 Team MVP. In 2014 she batted .430 with five homeruns, 34 RBI and 21 runs.
"We are excited about having her," Poole said. "She's a middle infielder and will have a chance to compete in our infield. I believe she can be a difference maker. She has a good arm and receives well. We think she's going to do a great job right away."
Torres plays for Lady Eagles 18U, but played over the summer with Georgia Force 18U Gold, coached by former Georgia softball player Tori Moody. She is the daughter of Carlos and Patti Torres.
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Bayleigh Wisher |
Bayleigh Wisher |
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Molly Murphy |
Molly Murphy |
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Molly Murphy was a two-sport athlete at Lewisburg High School in Olive Branch, Miss., where she lettered all four years in both softball and basketball. She played shortstop, catcher, third base and in the outfield, hitting .447 with 24 RBI and six homeruns as a leadoff hitter in 2014.
Murphy was a two-year All-Metro Best of the Preps player, an All-District Offensive MVP, Silver Slugger award winner, All-Area Second Team shortstop and an All-Area Honorable Mention catcher. She played for Chelsea Bramlett Malone, a former catcher for Mississippi State University.
"We really think we're getting a kid that can play multiple positions," Poole said. "She has a really good attitude and a really good work ethic. She's a good addition to our recruiting class. We're excited about having her
She has played club softball for 16U MS GlORY, and most recently 18U Illusions. She is the daughter of Andrew and Jennifer Murphy.
