FERRIS SIGNS TWO WEST MICHIGAN STANDOUTS TO NLIs

Rockford's Dusendang and Jenison's Morris Set To Become Bulldogs In 2008-09 Season

The two will suit up for the Bulldogs starting with the 2008 fall exhibition season.

Dusendang and Morris join Makenzi Peterson (Big Rapids) and Allison Webber (Frankfort) as those to ink with the Bulldogs during the early-signing period.

"We're very pleased with our recruiting class," said Becker, who will begin her 11th year at Ferris State this upcoming 2008 season. "We set out to sign five recruits and did get four excellent additions to the Bulldog family. They all believe Ferris State is the perfect fit for them academically and athletically so we look forward to them having successful careers here both on and off the field.

In addition to fitting in with our team well, they will compliment our team by brining excellent softball knowledge, skills, and competitiveness to the squad," added Becker.

Dusendang achieved All-O.K. Red Conference honors and all-region laurels at Rockford (Mich.) High School in her 2007 junior year under head coach and FSU alumnus Casey Munger-Dunham. An all-area first-teamer, Dusendang batted .267 with 24 hits in 90 official plate appearances in 2007 while compiling two doubles, 20 runs batted in, 22 runs scored, a .289 sluggin percentage, a .320 on-base percentage, and a .925 fielding percentage as the Rams compiled an 18-8 overall mark with a second-place conference finish.

The 5-5 outfielder-catcher hit for .420 average in her 2006 sophomore season with 42 base hits in 100 at bats. She also tallied 38 runs while smacking 10 doubles, 20 runs batted in, a .520 slugging percentage, a .473 on-base percentage, and a .983 fielding percentage en route to attaining honorable mention all-league accolades. RHS claimed the O.K.-Red Conference Championship and concluded the 2006 campaign at 27-5 overall.

Besides softball, Dusendang also competed two seasons (2005-06) on the school's varsity volleyball team.

The daughter of Dennis and Connie Dusendang of Comstock Park, Mich., Stephanie is interested in the human resource field at Ferris State.

"Stephanie is an athletic utility type player we always love to have," said Becker. "She plays a strong game behind the plate and can run most anything down in the outfield. She too doesn't come in a big package, but lays a big punch with her bat. She will provide a lot of options for the Bulldogs' defensive lineup."

Morris, a 5-9 first baseman-outfielder, was a 2007 honorable mention all-state pick and a two-time (2006-07) all-conference selection at Jenison (Mich.) High School after batting .422 with 41 base hits in 98 at bats last spring in 31 outings. A member of head coach Kari Kossen's squad, Morris clubbed nine doubles, three home runs, 28 runs batted in while tallying 18 runs. The two-time (2006-07) first-team all-area and all-district performer posted a .778 slugging percentage, a .480 on-base percentage, and a .978 fielding percentage for the 2007 campaign in helping lead the Wildcats to a 21-10 record and a conference title.

In her 2006 sophomore season, Morris earned team Most Valuable Player recognition after hitting .450 on 50 hits in 111 official plate appearances in 31 contests as JHS went 21-10 overall and were league champion runner-ups. She belted 13 doubles, two triples and one home run while driving in 28 runs and scoring 21 more. Morris notched 12 stolen bases and recorded a .631 slugging percentage, a .475 on-base percentage, and a .968 fielding percentage. She participated in both basketball and volleyball during her freshman and sophomore years.

Chelsea, the daughter of Ken and Jan Morris of Jenison, Mich., will study nursing at Ferris State. Her older brother Kris played baseball at Michigan State.

"Chelsea is a long-ball hitting first baseman who plays defensive like a shortstop and swings a mighty bat," said Becker. "She is the type of first baseman who makes the rest of the infield look good as her excellent glove work will allow her to scoop up anything they throw her way."

Ferris State made its fifth NCAA Division II Great Lakes Region Tournament appearance in the program's history last spring and concluded the 2007 season at 31-17 overall.