BULLDOG SOFTBALL INKS TWO TALENTED PREPSTERS

Makenzi Peterson and Allison Webber Will Join Ferris State Next Fall

"I'm excited knowing these two will be in our program next fall," said Becker, who will embark on her 11th year at Ferris State in the spring of 2008. "They are exemplary student-athletes with solid academic backgrounds who come from outstanding high school programs. Both possess a strong drive and determination to be successful."

Peterson received all-state recognition as a junior last season (2007) at Big Rapids (Mich.) High School under head coach Dawn Thompson as she helped guide the Cardinals to a 28-9 overall record which also included both a Central State Activities Association (CSAA) Conference Championship and a district title. The three-time (2005-07) all-conference performer batted .450 with 54 hits in 120 at bats to go with six doubles, six triples, six home runs, 32 runs batted in, 53 runs scored, 19 stolen bases, and a .906 fielding percentage en route to attaining all-region and all-district laurels for the second consecutive season. She produced a .750 slugging percentage and a .514 on base percentage a season ago. Peterson, a three-time (2005-07) first-team Pioneer Dream Team pick, was selected as the BRHS' Most Valuable Player a season ago both offensively and defensively.

A multi-talented athlete, the 5-4 Peterson will be competing for four years apiece in both volleyball and basketball. She also ran cross country this fall for the first time in her career and has accumulated 12 varsity letters to date in her high school atheltic career. A National Honor Society member, Peterson is also active in SADD, Varsity Club, and the Health Education Advisory Club.

As a junior, Peterson hit for a .438 average with 60 hits in 137 official plate appearances. She drove in 27 runs while scoring 51 more and had 11 doubles, eight triples, two home runs, 27 stolen bases, and an .873 fielding percentage as the Cardinals finished with a 31-11 mark and were crowned league champions. Peterson batted .453 during her 2005 freshman campaign with 67 hits, which included five doubles and six triples. She also scored 54 runs to go with 20 runs batted in, 28 stolen bases, and an .865 fielding percentage as BRHS concluded its season at 28-13 overall.

The daughter of Pete and Brenda Peterson of Big Rapids, Mich., Makenzi is interested in the field of nursing at Ferris State.

"Being a Big Rapids native, Makenzi knows all about the Bulldog spirit," said Becker. "Her tenacity as a player is unrivaled. Makenzi's competitiveness makes her willing to sacrifice herself defensively for any ball hit her way.

"She has displayed the perfect mentality for a shortstop and can really play anywhere on the field. Makenzi has proven her offensive abilities as well by coming through in the clutch," added Becker, the school's all-time winningest coach.

Webber is a third baseman/shortstop who will wrap up her high school career this spring at Frankfort (Mich.) High School. A season ago as a junior, she played a key part in leading the Panthers to a Division IV State Final runner-up finish as a member of head coach Mike Thompson's team. Webber batted .407 with 44 hits in 108 at bats over a 44-game span in 2007 which also included 13 doubles, three home runs, 27 runs batted in, 53 runs scored, and a .950 fielding percentage. As a result, she was a repeat selection (2006-07) on the Traverse City Record-Eagle All-Region Dream Team as a third baseman. Webber also earned all-region and all-district plaudits for the third straight season (2005-07). During her three-year (2005-07) prep varsity career, FHS has won three conference championships, three district titles and two regional championships.

In her 2006 junior campaign, Webber generated a .389 batting average as a result of 42 base hits in 108 at bats for 40 contests. She smacked seven doubles, three triples, four home runs, 30 runs batted in and scored 46 runs in 2006.

Webber has been playing ASA softball since 2002 and played this past 2007 season for the Grand Rapids (Mich.) Elite Under-18 Team under the direction of coach Michelle Brander Platz.

Webber also participated in basketball during her freshman and sophomore seasons at FHS along with serving as class secretary and elementary tutoring.

Allison, the daughter of Russell and Sue Webber of Frankfort, Mich., plans to major in education at Ferris State.

"Allison has a lot of experience at the third base corner," said Becker. "Her excellent glove and range at that spot will help her contend for a starting position very early in her college career. Allison swings the bat with power as her size is deceiving and she is a nice compliment to our lineup."

Ferris State posted a 31-17 overall record for the 2007 season, which included a 14-6 Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) regular-season mark. The Bulldogs made their fifth NCAA Division II Regional Tournament appearance in the program's history last season and the second one in the last three years.