Akron softball receives commitments from two Keystone standouts

Bob Fortuna, The Plain Dealer, May 24, 2011 11:41 a.m.

 

 

 

 

 

AKRON, Ohio - Akron's softball program recently received oral commitments from Keystone junior standouts Erin Pond and Kenzie Conrad.

Pond, a three-year starting shortstop, also made unofficial visits to Notre Dame, James Madison, Bucknell, Wisconsin, Ohio State and Kentucky.

"I like the coaches at Akron and there are some really great players in this year's [recruiting] class along with the recruits from my class, who have already verballed," said Pond. "I also like the fact that Akron's about a 40-minute drive from home."

Pond entered the week with .581 batting average, including a team-best 35 RBI and 48 runs scored.

Conrad, a pitcher/first baseman, is batting .451 with 34 RBI and is 18-1 on the mound, including a 0.75 ERA and 116 strikeouts in 102 2/3 innings.

The twosome has combined for 25 doubles and 17 home runs.

Both are close friends and both are undecided about what they'll study.

"I have two younger brothers who I adore, and I want to be able to come home every Friday to watch them play football," said Conrad. "Akron definitely recruited me as a pitcher but also told me, with my athleticism, I could be a position player when I'm not pitching."