Dec. 4, 2007

Head Siena softball coach Deanna Parks inked four high school seniors to National Letter's of Intent during the early signing period. Amanda Filippazzo, Lindsey McKeever, Natasha Powlowsky, and Alyssa Sceppaguercio have all committed to play in Loudonville next year.

Along with assistant coach Bill Lajeunesse, Parks formulated a list of top prospects for Siena and all four student-athletes who committed were at the top of the list.

"We couldn't be more pleased with this recruiting class," said Parks. "All four are very athletic, extremely well-coached, and play hard every time they step on the field. They will be an exciting group to watch and we can't wait to see them in Siena uniforms."

Filippazzo, hailing from West Islip, N.Y., has played the past two seasons at West Islip High School. She is a two-time Class AA All-New York State and All-County selection. As a junior in 2007, she was named the Long Island Player of the Year in the large school division. She was selected Suffolk County Pitcher of the Year and was the recipient of the Umpire's Choice Award as a sophomore in 2006. Filippazzo posted a 14-4 record and a 0.94 ERA with 232 strikeouts in 145 innings of work last season while batting .469 with six home runs and 23 RBI. In 2006, she carried an 11-2 record in the circle with a 0.64 ERA in 84 innings with 157 strikeouts.

"Amanda is a three-tool player who will contribute in the pitcher's circle and the outfield," Parks remarked. "She will give us a much different look on the mound, and we were impressed by her composure and intensity in tight situations. We also like the way she swings the bat, so expect to see her in the outfield when she's not pitching."

McKeever, an outfielder from nearby Mechanicville was selected to the All-Area Second Team by the Times Union in 2007. She was a Colonial County All Star as a junior and sophomore. McKeever helped Mechanicville to the Class C State Championship as a freshman in 2005 and to the Class B Finals in 2006. Last year the team advanced to the Section II championship game. She has posted a career batting average over .400 and helped her high school to a 76-9 record over her first three years.

"Lindsey is a phenomenal athlete," Parks commented. "She's a natural lefty with great instincts in the outfield. She's aggressive and routinely makes difficult plays look easy. Offensively, she's a line-drive type hitter who has exceptional speed, which will add another dimension to our short game."

Powlowsky, a catcher/infielder from Alvirne High School in Hudson, N.H., was a NHSCA Class L All-State selection as a junior. She was also named to the Telegraph's All-Star team in each of the last two seasons and was selected as a "top prospect" by rivals.com.

"Nastasha has tremendous defensive skills behind the plate," Parks said. "She's quick and works extremely hard, and reminds us of (current catcher) Anj (Piela) back there. Playing for one of the top gold travel teams in the Northeast, she has valuable experience working with DI caliber pitchers already. Nastasha has a solid approach at the plate, and makes consistent contact."

Sceppaguercio, a second-baseman from Nutley, N.J., is a three-time NNJIL Division C First Team selection. She was also named a top prospect by rivals.com. In 2005, she won the State Championship as a freshman at Montclair Kimberly Academy, as a teammate of Jamie Piela, before transferring to Immaculate Heart Academy.

"Alyssa is a sparkplug on the field," Parks added. "She's got all the skills we were looking for in a middle infielder, but her intensity and drive set her apart in our eyes. She's just a natural leader out there. Offensively, we were impressed with her patience and pitch selection, and her ability to hit the ball where it's pitched.

Siena softball kicks off their season at the Northwestern Invitational tournament in Natchitoches, La. on February 22.