Tiger softball adds junior pitcher to roster

MITCHELL, S.D. – The Dakota Wesleyan University softball team's pitching staff took a hit this may when senior standout Jill Dickson graduated, but Tiger head coach Ed Kieff is building up DWU's pitching staff this offseason.

Earlier this summer, Kieff signed freshman pitcher Karlee Jenkins, and this week he announced the signing of Kelly Taylor, a junior with two years of college-level pitching experience.

Taylor comes to DWU with junior eligibility after competing for one season at Ohlone College and one at Spokane Falls Community College. The Dublin, Calif., native earned four varsity letters at Dublin High School and earned first team all-league honors as a junior and second-team honors her freshman season.

"Signing Kelly adds some much-needed experience to our very young pitchers," Kieff said. "Kelly is a hard-throwing pitcher who can move the ball and has two seasons of college ball under her belt. I think she will help us immediately and be an excellent role model for our young staff.

"We are excited to have signed Kelly and look forward to having her in the program over the next two years."

Taylor is Kieff's fourth signee for the 2015 season and the third transfer. She joins Katy Lazenby, who comes to DWU from Simpson College, and Snow College transfer Elise Sutherland.

The Tigers broke or tied 11 single-season records in 2014, including the school record for wins in a season with a 22-18 overall mark.