University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Pitt Softball Announces 2015 Recruiting Class
11/17/2014 12:00:00 AM | Softball
PITTSBURGH – University of Pittsburgh softball head coach Holly Aprile has announced the signing of four National Letters of Intent for the Pitt softball team. Sarah Dawson, Marissa DeMatteo, Olivia Gray and Alexis Solak are set to join the Panthers in the fall of 2015.
Sarah Dawson | Bridgewater, Mass.
Hailing from Bridgewater, Massachusetts, Sarah Dawson will join the Pitt softball team in the fall of 2015. Dawson led her Bridgewater-Raynham High School team to a state title during her junior year. In the finals, she showed her potential ACC dominance by throwing a shutout. ESPN Boston named Dawson to the preseason softball All-State team this past year. In 2014, she was named NFCA First Team All-Region player and Boston Globe Player of the Year. In 41 postseason innings, Dawson threw two no-hitters, allowing only one run and striking out 41 en route to the Massachusetts Division 1 State Championship.
“From the moment I stepped onto the campus I knew it was the school for me,” said Dawson. “I loved everything about Pitt, both athletically and academically. I can't wait to spend my next four years at Pitt!”
Marissa DeMatteo | New Castle, Pa.
Marissa DeMatteo, a local product of nearby New Castle, Pa., played for Neshannock High School and will also be joining the team in 2015. As a sophomore, DeMatteo led her team to the WPIAL Class A softball championship. In 2013, Neshannock was WPIAL champions again and finished runner-up in the state playoffs. This past year, DeMatteo was a key contributor to yet another WPIAL championship. She is currently ranked the eighth-best softball player in the state of Pennsylvania by Maxpreps.com and is a two time Class A All-State honoree.
“I chose Pitt because I wanted to play softball in college at a high level but didn't want to travel too far from home,” said DeMatteo. “Pitt is only an hour from my house which is nice because it's far enough away, yet close enough if I would ever happen to need anything. I love the city campus and really want to challenge myself academically at such an elite school like Pitt. I felt like it was the perfect fit for me!”
Olivia Gray | Washington, Pa.
Also joining the Panthers is Olivia Gray, an infielder from Washington, Pa. who attended Trinity High School. This past season, Gray batted. 554 with five homeruns, six triples, eight doubles and stole 30 bases. She earned All-State First Team honors at shortstop along with being named to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s All-Section and All-Area Teams. Gray is also a two-time nominee of the Pittsburgh Tribune Review’s Terrific 10 team.
“I chose Pitt not only because of the great softball program and student-athlete support system, but because they have one of the top medical programs in the country,” said Gray. “Since I am from Pittsburgh, it will be an honor to play for my hometown team. I am excited about starting a new chapter in my life and making my mark both academically and athletically at the University of Pittsburgh.”
Alexis Solak | Naperville, Ill.
Making the trip from Naperville, Illinois to Pittsburgh will be Alexis Solak, who is the third infielder to sign with Pitt for the 2015 season. Solak, who played for Naperville North High School, is a sure-handed fielder with two straight .940 fielding percentage seasons in a row. To go along with her defense, she is also a strong hitter who is capable of hitting for power with a high average. Solak was named an All-Area honorable mention at middle infield as well as earning Class AAAA All-State second-team recognition as a utility player. She was the 2014 All-Area Leader in doubles and received High Performer honors for her average (.461), RBIs (43), runs (39), and home runs (6).
“When I was being recruited, of all of the schools I looked at, this one felt right,” Solak said. “The atmosphere, team, academics, and location created a place I had to be part of. I am proud to wear the blue and gold!”
Off the diamond, Alexis has been a Student Government Representative along with a First Class Leader all four years of her high school career.
The Panthers kick off their second season in the ACC on Feb. 6, 2015 at the Hampton Inn & Suites Tournament in San Marcos, Texas. Conference play will begin on Feb. 28 with a three game series against Virginia.
For all things Pitt softball, check out PittsburghPanthers.com or follow the team on Twitter at @PITTSoftball.
