Nov. 19, 2004
SAN DIEGO - San Diego State softball head coach Kathy Van Wyk has announced the signing Wednesday of three southern California high school seniors, including two from the San Diego-area, to national letters of intent. Joining the Aztecs in the fall of 2005 are catcher Erin Floros (San Diego, Calif.), pitcher/shortstop Melissa Owens (El Cajon, Calif.) and pitcher/infielder Monica Alnes (Palos Verdes, Calif.).
"We are very excited about this outstanding signing class," Van Wyk said. "This is among the most talented groups we have ever had sign with San Diego State. We are delighted that we have a pair of San Diego's finest softball players in Erin Floros and Melissa Owens, who are best friends, and one of the best pitchers in California in Monica Alnes.
"We had specific needs at the skill positions and these three versatile performers filled every one of those and more. Erin, Melissa and Monica are very important to the future of Aztec softball."
Floros is a three-year starter and letterwinner from Mt. Carmel High School. She earned first team all-CIF honors in 2004 and led the Sundevil's to a pair of Avocado League championships. In her junior campaign, Floros was the Avocado League player of the year and a member of the Union-Tribune all-academic first team with a 3.89 GPA. She is a 2004 recipient of the Coca-Cola Golden Glove award, as well as being a nominee for Mt. Carmel's athlete of the year award. Last season, Floros led the Sundevils with a .440 batting average, while driving in 23 runs. In 2003, she hit .357 with 22 RBI. Floros chose the Aztecs over Washington, Oklahoma and Texas A&M.
"Erin is one of the best catchers in America and comes from one of the top high school programs in the San Diego area," Van Wyk said. "She was heavily recruited by the top programs in the country, and we are delighted that she decided to stay in San Diego. Erin will make an immediate impact on our program both as a student and as a player."
Owens is a two-time all-state pitcher for Christian High School, where she was the east county strikeout leader in 2004 with 247 in 121 innings pitched. She owns the east county 2003 and 2004 home run records with seven HR and eight HR respectively as well as the 2004 batting title with a gaudy .579 average. In 2004 she was named to the Louisville Slugger/NFCA all-region team, and was the Eastern League's pitcher of the year. Owens led the Patriots to the 2002 and 2004 CIF Division IV championship, and as runner-up finish in 2003. She is a two-time most valuable player at Christian High School, and holds the school's all-time record for strikeouts in a game with 20.
"Melissa is a big, powerful player who is one of the best athletes to ever come to SDSU," Van Wyk said. "She is not only an outstanding pitcher, but is one of the best hitters to come out of San Diego in a long time. We are excited about Melissa's ability as a student and an athlete, and she will have an opportunity to contribute immediately."
Alnes is a three-time all-Bay League pitcher for Palos Verdes Peninsula High School in the Los Angeles area. She was 15-9 last season in the circle, with 185 strikeouts in 172 innings and an ERA of 0.81. She was named to the 2004 all-CIF Division II team, following her outstanding junior campaign. A three-time all-Daily Breeze award-winner, Alnes was a top hitter in 2004 for the Panthers, holding a .304 batting average with three HR and 17 RBI. As a sophomore, she posted a 14-10 record for Peninsula , notching a 0.83 ERA.
"Monica is an outstanding pitcher who shows a lot of poise and really controls the ball," Van Wyk said. "She is one of the top players in the talent-rich Los Angeles area and will be a terrific boost to our program. Monica is also a terrific student and will be very successful at San Diego State."
The Aztecs open the 2005 softball season Feb. 4 at the brand new SDSU Softball Stadium, with a game against Saint Mary's (Calif.).