Less than three months after the conclusion of the 2017 season, Eastern New Mexico University Softball Coach Katie Welborn has announced the addition of four new players for the upcoming season. Kim Herron (P, Shawnee, Okla./Bethel HS/Dodge City CC), Lauren Likes (INF, Walla Walla, Wash./Walla Walla HS/Weber State), Emma Gary (OF, Peoria, Ariz./Ironwood HS/Lake Region State College) and Hanna Gary (P/OF, Peoria, Ariz./Ironwood HS/Lake Region State College) should become key players for the Greyhounds during the 2018 season.
The talented quartet joins a core, which showed much improvement last season. With 20 overall wins, with 10 in Lone Star Conference play, the Hounds posted their best season since 2007. “I could not be more excited about where this team is headed, 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.”
Kim Herron was the ace of the Dodge City Community College staff. With a 2.88 earned run average, she garnered 18 of the team’s 25 victories. Herron limited the opposition to a .268 batting average and fanned 146 batters, while she allowed just 40 walks. Also talented at the plate, Herron batted .313 with 21 runs batted in.
“I’m very excited to add another arm in our circle,” Welborn said. “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.”
Lauren Likes transferred to Eastern from NCAA Division I Weber State University. Last season the Wildcats posted a 37-win season with a 15-5 mark in the Big Sky Conference. Likes registered a base hit against eight-ranked UCLA.
“Lauren was our missing puzzle piece for our infield,” Welborn said. “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.”
As a sophomore at Lake Region, Emma Gary batted .580 with nine homers and 59 runs batted in. Her contributions helped lead the Royals to a 31-5 record last year.
“As prolific as a Emma was for her Junior college team, it was a no brainer to sign her, Welborn said. “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. ”
Like her sister, Hanna Gary had a big season for Lake Region State, and batted .504 with nine homers, 55 RBIs and 15 stolen bases. The duo helped the Royals open the season with seven consecutive wins.
“Hanna is a chameleon. I know that whenever I put her, she will not only succeeded, but exceed all expectations,” Welborn said. “She will be utilized everywhere from the outfield, to the lineup, even the pitching circle. She is the utility player that can make all the difference.”
