By Nicholas Huenefeld/Owens Sports Information

Toledo, Ohio---Alexa Schmeltz, a third baseman from Eastwood High School in Pemberville, Ohio, has signed a letter of intent to play softball at Owens Community College next year.

Schmeltz becomes the fourth member of the 2016-17 recruiting class. She joins Noel Gilley (RHP/1B) of Ashley Ridge High School in Summerville, S.C., Courtney Cadle (SS) of Monroe High School in Monroe, Mich., and Josie Monroe (C) from Anthony Wayne High School in Whitehouse, Ohio.

With the addition of Schmeltz, Owens will have the 2015 Northern Buckeye Conference (NBC) offensive player of the year in Schmeltz, as well as the 2015 NBC Pitcher of hte Year in Miranda Benschoter (Elmwood H.S.), who will be a freshman on this year's team.

"Alexa gives us another local talent who has a very good bat," said Owens Community College head softball coach Marcus Smith. "Sports run deep in her family with her mom playing collegiate athletics and her brother playing for the Owens baseball team. We are excited to get Alexa. She will be utilitzed in a utility role as she can play multiple positions."

After missing her sophomore year due to injury, the left-handed Schmeltz powered her way to First Team All-NBC and First Team All-District honors as a junior.

Schmeltz broke school records for home runs in a season (7), batting average (.547), hits (52) and doubles (17), while also earning the Alan Miller Jewelers All-Press Offensive Player of the Year award. Furthermore, she also produced two triples, seven stolen bases and 42 RBI.

The Owens softball team, which captured Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) and Region XII championships last year en route to a National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II National Tournament appearance, will open its 2016 season March 4-13 in Florida. They are scheduled to play 20 games during the trip.

Notes

For a look at the full 2016 Owens softball schedule, visit here