Long Beach State softball head coach Kim Sowder has announced the signing of Karli Sandoval and Erin Wesley to National Letters of Intent. The pair of high school standouts will join the 49ers in 2010-11.

Sandoval is in her fourth year on the varsity softball team at Riverside Poly High School. As a catcher, she was a second-team All-Big VIII selection, while also earning a scholar-athlete award.

“Karli is a very solid catcher with a lot of experience behind the plate,” said Sowder. “Her confidence and poise will give her the opportunity to compete for the catching position right away. Karli is a consistent hitter that will bring power to our line-up as she continues to develop. I like the fact that she is also capable of playing the corners, which gives us more depth and options. We are excited about Karli and the impact she will make as a 49er.”

Wesley, a right-handed pitcher from Alta Loma, Calif., is currently a senior at Los Osos High School. Last year, she earned all-state, all-area and All-Inland Valley honors after posting a 13-5 record with a 0.75 earned run average and 182 strikeouts. Wesley was also a first-team All-CIF and All-Baseline League selection in 2009. In addition, the two-time team MVP was named first-team all-league as a sophomore, while garnering second-team recognition as a freshman. Wesley has competed on several travel ball teams, including American Pastime Gold, Corona Angels 18 Gold and California Lite 18 Gold.

“Erin is a hard-throwing pitcher with a great work ethic and a passion for what she does,” Sowder said. “She continues to grow both physically and mentally as a pitcher every time we see her and we are excited to have her join The Beach. Erin has gained valuable experience pitching for competitive teams at both the high school and travel ball level. She will be a great addition to our solid pitching staff and will contribute right away.” 

Long Beach State will kick off the 2010 campaign, Feb. 13-14, at the Sportco Kick-Off Classic in Las Vegas, Nev. The 49ers open the tournament with a doubleheader on Feb. 13 when they take on Loyola Marymount (9 a.m.) and Illinois (1:30 p.m.).

Reports From LBSU