Ohta adds first recruit to roster for next season

July 26, 2007

Former Gladstone HS player Jessie Jones became the first official signee for first-year head coach Nathan Ohta. (Photo courtesy of Jones family)

SALEM, Ore. - First-year head softball coach Nathan Ohta signed his first official recruit as the leader of the Warriors today when he inked former Gladstone High School utility player Jessie Jones (Gladstone, Ore.) to a Letter of Intent to play for Corban beginning next season.

Jones played four seasons for the Gladiators, while turning senior season numbers of .581 batting average, .621 on-base percentage, 25 runs batted in, 51 runs scored, 39 stolen bases out of 40 attempts, and a .930 fielding percentage.

The 5-foot-4 utility player was named Capitol Conference Player of the Year, while earning 1st team all-state, all-region, and all-conference accolades during the 2007 campaign.

"We are glad that Jessie has chosen Corban as the place that she would like to continue her softball career," said Ohta. "She is going to make a huge impact next season when she suits up wearing the navy and gold of the Warriors."

Jones also earned the team awards as Most Valuable and Most Inspirational Player, while also lettering four years in both volleyball and basketball at Gladstone High School. In the classroom, Jones was named valedictorian of her 2007 senior class and was also a member of the National Honor Society.

Along with right-handed pitcher Jennifer Kollaer from West Albany High School, shortstop Nicole Reierson from Eastmont High School, and infielder Amber Meeker from St. Helens High School, who all signed with former head coach Michelle Hext, Jones is the fourth recruit to sign with the Warriors for next season.

Corban opens its 2008 conference schedule at Eastern Oregon University, March 21st, in La Grande.