Aug. 1, 2001

Notre Dame head softball coach Deanna Gumpf has announced two additional signings for the class of 2005. Infielder Liz Hartmann (Novato, Calif.) and pitcher Steffany Stenglein (Irvine, Calif.) will be on the field next year for the Irish, joining Megan Ciolli (Terre Haute, Ind.), Annie Dell’Aria (Fairfax, Va.) and Carrie Wisen (Fullerton, Calif.) to give the Notre Dame program five incoming freshman.

“It is a talented class, top to bottom,” Gumpf says.

“We believe that all five can come in and immediately contribute to the team.”

Hartmann was a multi-sport standout at San Marin High School in Novato, Calif. A member of the volleyball, basketball and softball teams, she earned all-conference honors as a shortstop in softball all four years of high school, leading the team to the conference title and garnering league MVP honors in 2001.

“Liz is one of the most versatile players I have ever seen,” Gumpf says.

“She has the ability to hit for power and will be a great leader on the field for us. Liz is the type of player that will excel no matter where you put her in the lineup.”

Stenglein will join fellow rookie Wisen in the pitching circle to give the Irish two very talented righthanders in the mission to replace graduated two-time All-American Jen Sharron. Stenglein ranked third in the nation in strikeouts in 2000 on the way to earning all-state honors. Displaying her all-around talent, Stenglein led the team in RBIs, hits and slugging percentage as a freshman in 1997.

“Steffany has the potential to be one of the top pitchers in the country,” Gumpf says.

“She is a very focused athlete and is determined to develop into the best player she can be.”

Gumpf and her staff will add their talented freshman class to a core group of 10 returning monogram winners, including five returning starters from last season’s 54-7 team.