Two Western Nevada College softball sophomores sign with NAIA school

An early season tournament in Scottsdale, Ariz., provided college coaches a chance to see a slice of what Melanie Mecham and Kacie Freudenberger have contributed to Western Nevada College’s softball program over the past two seasons.

The first impression of the Wildcats became a lasting one as Benedictine University at Mesa, Ariz., decided to offer the pair scholarships to play with a university that is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics.

The Wildcat sophomore outfielders signed their letters on intent on Saturday prior to the final home doubleheader of their WNC careers.

“They have such great work ethics and have been steady and consistent for us,” said WNC coach Leah Wentworth. “I’m excited to see them get the opportunity to play more ball. They deserve this opportunity and have worked hard for it.”

The Redhawks play in the California Pacific Conference.

To play two additional years of softball carries special meaning to Freudenberger.

“I couldn’t have dreamed it better,” Freudenberger said. “It’s always been my dream to play college ball and just to go up to the next level is awesome.”

For Mecham, an All-Scenic West Athletic Conference second-team outfielder as a freshman, it’s an opportunity to continue playing the sport with her best friend.

“I’m excited; it’s always fun to play the sport I love, and it would have been (sad) to end it after this year,” she said. “One of my reasons for going to Benedictine is that my best friend is going there.”

Freudenberger, WNC’s cleanup hitter, entered the Snow series hitting .282. Through 43 games, she has hit six homers, four doubles and a triple. The right fielder led the team with a .515 slugging average and was second on the team with 28 RBI.

“Leah has always been on my hitting, and she’s always been there to make me a better hitter, and I want to thank her for that,” Freudenberger said.

“My coaches have been a big influence on me. They’ve have always pushed me to be a better player.”

Freudenberger has only committed three errors as an everyday position player.

Entering the Snow series, Mecham was hitting .276, topped the team with 28 RBI and was second with 59 total bases. Mecham paced the team with three triples and was second in homers (four) and runs scored (27), and occupied third in slugging average at .465. The contact hitter has struck out only eight times in 127 at-bats and has committed three errors while splitting duties between center and left.

As a freshman, Mecham hit .425 with 13 doubles and two homers. She established a .539 slugging average and her 71 hits were 19 more than nearest teammate. Mecham struck out four times in 167 at-bats and shared the team lead with 36 RBI.

During her freshman season, Freudenberger hit .328, with seven doubles and two homers, 21 runs scored and 16 RBI.