EASTON, Pa. -- Three student-athletes from three different states will join the Lafayette softball program as part of the Class of 2021.

Beginning his fourth season as head coach, Jexx Varner recruited a first base/utility player from the Reading, Pa. area, an outfielder/shortstop from the state of Washington and a catcher/infielder from New York State's capital region. The group continues to expand a roster that currently features student-athletes from 12 states and the Bahamas.

"We are very excited to announce the additions of Kelly, Kaitlyn and Paige to the program," Varner said. "They will have a great impact on the roster when they step on campus next August. Beyond their commitments to excellence in the classroom and on the field, these three also share pure power that will no doubt impact our lineup right away."

"All three also add to the culture of academic excellence here with Lafayette softball," Varner continued. "We finished 10th in the nation last year in team GPA and they are each excited to join the commitment to be the best in the nation!"

"We have more pieces to add to the 2017 recruiting class, and along with Kelly, Kaitlyn and Paige we will have another group ready to help take Lafayette softball to a Patriot League championship."

PLAYER BIOS:

Kelly Ebner (Sinking Spring, Pa./Wilson West Lawn): Played first base where she was a four-year starter and letterwinner...captained her team in her senior season...awarded All-Berks County First-Team and PIAA AAAA All-State Second Team honors...in junior season (2016), recorded a .543 batting average with 23 RBI...led her team to a Berks County championship and the PIAA District 3 Championship in 2013...served as vice president of the National Honor Society and was member of the Latin Honor Society...recipient of the Andrew Straka Memorial Award, the E. Jerry Brooks Athletic and Academic Award and the Pepsi Outstanding Athlete Award. Personal: Daughter of Jeffrey and Vicki O'Connor Ebner '82 ...mother played softball and basketball at Lafayette...has an older brother, Ryan, who played baseball at Bucknell, and an older sister, Jesse, who played field hockey at William & Mary...born March 2, 1998.

Coach's Comments: "Kelly has a wonderful legacy to follow here at Lafayette but her strength and explosiveness will forge her own path. Her maturity and passion for Lafayette will help push the entire roster to work hard each day towards our goals. Her leadership will be apparent on day one. She will add great power to the lineup immediately and provide a solid glove over at first base."

Paige Grover (Woodinville, Wash./Woodinville): Three student-athletes from three different states will join the Lafayette softball program as part of the Class of 2021. Outfielder and shortstop who was a three-year starter and letterwinner going into her senior year...awarded King County First Team All-Conference as a DH and Offensive MVP in 2016...led her team to a King County title in 2015 and second-place finishes in 2014 and 2016...advanced to the state tournament in 2015 and 2016, placing second third and second, respectively...participated in soccer as a forward, defender and goal keeper...member of the National Junior Honor Society and a volunteer at the Miracle League. Personal: Daughter of John and Teresa Grover...has a younger brother, Ethan, and a younger sister, Charlotte...born Sept. 25, 1998.

Coach's Comments: "Paige is one of the most athletically gifted and raw talents I have ever come across as a coach. Her athleticism will help her be a difference maker wherever the team needs her to play. During her high school career, she was a major part of highly successful teams in both soccer and softball. She knows elite competition and how to perform at the elite level."

Kaitlyn Rarick (Delmar, N.Y./Bethlehem Central): Catcher who was a three-year letterwinner and four-year starter for her high school team...voted first team Suburban Council All-Star and All-Area Second-Team All-Star...awarded as a NYSPHSAA Scholar Athlete her sophomore year...posted a .420 batting average her junior year and led her team to the sectionals for three years, winning the Suburban Council Section 2 Class AA Championship her sophomore year...consistent honor roll student and member of the National Spanish Honor Society, Best Buddies Organization, Bethlehem Youth Court...co-president and co-founder of the Data Analysis Club at her high school. Personal: Daughter of Robert and Antonietta Rarick...has an older brother, Patrick, who played baseball at Oneonta...born Aug. 9, 1999.

Coach's Comments: "Kaitlyn will be another impact player for this roster. Her work ethic and desire to compete will add another level of intensity to the program. Kaitlyn will help us behind the plate and in the infield, and her bat will add more power and depth to the team."