Looking to build its first-ever women’s softball team, William Jessup University added eight new players for the inaugural season last week. The signees include three pitchers, two corner infielders, and two outfield prospects.

Coach Jessica Pistole was able to tap into the local talent of the Sacramento area, picking up area standouts Kara Besseghini of Dixon, Elizabeth Benton of Loretto High, and the Sac High battery of pitcher Christina Cristo and catcher Le’Nia Blackburn.

Besseghini brings a great combination of both athletics and academics to the program. A two-time Solano Junior College MVP and two-time all-conference player, she brings the competitiveness and athleticism of playing at the next level. She also earned Academic All-American honors as well as being named to the dean’s list both years at Solano.

Benton, a two-time captain for Loretto High School played both first base and third base for the Lions and hit .475 her senior season. She was selected first team all-league her junior and senior year as well as MVP of her team both years. She also graduated with academic honors at Loretto as part of their final graduating class.

Cristo, a 5-foot-8 pitcher, also batted .500 and earned honors as a Triple-Impact Competitor Scholar. As a co-MVP of her team and an all-league selection, Cristo led Sacramento High School to the playoffs for the first time in school history.

Blackburn also earned all-league honors and was the co-MVP of her team. She graduated cum laude with honors.

Pistole was also able to sign a couple top prospects from out of the area as well, led by a powerful duo from San Mateo. Gina Bologna, originally from Burlingame High School, started in left field for the College of San Mateo. Batting .306, she earned second team all-conference and was a strong offensive leader for CSM.

Jackie Ferrari was the centerfielder for the College of San Mateo for the last two years. Batting .306, Ferrari was selected first team all-conference.

Also added to the team was Carissa Romero, a first baseman and power hitter from Tulare Union High School. Romero was first team all-county and first team all-league, leading her team to the East Yosemite League championship.

As a senior, she finished strong with a slugging percentage of .711 and an on-base percentage of .433 while bringing a .386 total batting average. Romero finished with 32 hits and 26 RBIs, including three doubles, six triples, and four homeruns on the season.

In a homecoming of sorts, Jessup was able to return a local star who had initially made her mark at conference rival Simpson University. Pitcher Brianna Melgard earned first team all-conference in the Cal Pac pitching the majority of the games for the Redhawks. Melgard, who played in Roseville at Woodcreek High, was an all-league regular in the SFL.

Softball is slated for Cal Pac competition in the spring of 2010.