JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (May 15, 2007) - ETSU softball head coach Andrea Mangrum and her staff announced Tuesday afternoon that Ashley Boyd (Chattanooga, Tenn.) and Kaela Jackson (Morristown, Tenn.) have signed their national letter of intent to play for the Bucs next spring, becoming the second and third additions to the 2007 Softball Bucs recruiting class.

Boyd will be very useful for the Bucs next season as she is solid pitcher as well as a power hitter. The Chattanooga, Tenn. native was also used at first and designated player at Dade County High School. Boyd led the Wolverines to 105 victories over the last four years, and was also named All-State, All-Region and "Best of Preps" according to the Chattanooga Times Free Press during her high school career.  As a hitter and pitcher, Boyd posted outstanding numbers, hitting .378 with 42 doubles, 13 triples, 25 home runs and 142 RBI, while posting a 0.82 ERA with 562 strikeouts in 350 IP in the circle.

"Ashley is a power hitter and finesse pitcher," added Mangrum. "She has great movement on her pitches and great presence on the mound. She has competed against some of the best players in high school, as well as on a national level in summer ball. By competing against the best, I can see by her numbers both on the mound and at the plate that she will do very well at the next level."

Joining Boyd next season at ETSU will be catcher/utility player Kaela Jackson. Jackson is a four-year letterwinner at Morristown-Hamblen High School West, where she helped lead the Trojans to a 27-6 mark in 2007. She is a proven leader both on and off the field as she has been the team captain since 2005, while receiving the Trojan Leadership award in 2006. This season Jackson hit .520, with 39 hits and 30 RBI, and posted a .425 average with 17 RBI last season. Jackson belted a two-run home run in the, 3-2, victory over Science Hill in the Region 1-AAA semifinals Monday evening at Metro-Kiwanis Park. Jackson and the Trojans will play Volunteer for the Region 1-AAA Final Wednesday evening.

"Kaela has been said to be the greatest leader to come out of her high school," said Mangrum. "She has the work ethic of a champion, which is why we are so excited to have her. Her dad coached Division I baseball, so she knows what it takes to do well at this level. Kaela will give us some much needed depth to our line up as well give us some power at the plate."

Mangrum and her staff have been very productive since taking over the reigns, as they have landed 11 recruits since their arrival in July 2005. Boyd and Jackson join Katie Henderson (Jackson, Tenn.) in ETSU's 2007 recruiting class.