Open Announce

Congleton Signs Four to NLI for 2019

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Head softball coach Paula Congleton and The University of New Mexico softball program is pleased to officially announce the signings of four talented student-athletes to National Letters of Intent (NLI). The Lobos are proud to welcome Kiana Spencer, Leslie Romero, Ashlynn Bailey and Kennedy Ferguson to UNM. Spencer is a native of New Mexico, while the other three newcomers represent their respective home states of California, Oregon and Washington.

These new signings to the 2019 roster feature athletic talent with proven statistics. Together, these four additions bring an impressive resume of personal accolades that will contribute to the success of the Lobo softball team throughout the upcoming season.

“My coaching staff and I are very excited about all four of these very talented players,” Congleton said. “This class is a great start to building upon and optimizing our core values and style of play. We are looking forward to Ashlynn, Kennedy, Leslie and Kiana having an immediate impact on the field and our program.”

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Kiana Spencer | Left Hand Pitcher | Gallup, N.M.
Spencer, a graduate from Gallup High School in 2015, played her freshman season at Yavapai College in Arizona where she was a 2017 Second Team All-American.

In her freshman season at Yavapai, Spencer appeared in 27 games pitching 112.2 innings. She completed the season with a 1.55 ERA and 86 strikeouts.

“We are thrilled to have All-American left-handed pitcher Kiana Spencer join the Lobos,” Congleton said. “She has proven that she is capable of being a serious threat immediately in the Mountain West. Kiana provides the depth we need in the circle while also having leadership experience to help guide the Lobos to a successful season.”

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Leslie Romero | 5-4 | Catcher/Center Field | Gonzales, Calif.
Romero comes to the Lobos from Gonzales, Calif. where plays for Salinas High School and for the Aldrete Academy softball club. A three-sport athlete, she has also played two years of both varsity volleyball and varsity basketball. 

Romero appeared in 27 games during her junior year last season in which she posted a .454 batting average. She tallied 44 hits including nine doubles, three triples and three home runs. In addition, she collected 31 RBI and scored 32 runs. For her efforts, she was named 2017 All-Monterey Bay League.

“Leslie is one of the top prospects out of northern California who possesses many tools,” Congleton said. “She is an excellent defensive outfielder with great range and has experience behind the plate handling pitchers. Leslie has a good arm and solid fundamentals with the ability to contribute in many ways in 2019.”

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Ashlynn Bailey | 5-9 | Infield/Catcher | Hillsboro, Ore.
Bailey comes to UNM from Hillsboro, Ore. where she was named 2017 Oregon 6A State Player of the Year and 2017 Metro League Player of the Year as a three-year varsity letterman at Glencoe High School. She enters her fourth varsity softball season in 2018.

Last season as a junior, Bailey appeared in 30 games and recorded a .486 batting average. She amassed 51 hits including seven doubles, six triples and five home runs. She also stole 23 bases, scored 41 times and drove in 32 RBI.

Bailey also competes at the club level with the Oregon Thunder and is a three-year letterman in volleyball at Glencoe. She was named 2017 First Team All-Metro League and 2016 Second Team All-Metro League in volleyball.

“We are very excited to have 6A Oregon Player of the Year Ashlynn Bailey,” Congleton said. “She is a tremendous young player who excels at various positions. She has a strong arm, quick feet and a good glove while also having the ability to hit for power.”

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Kennedy Ferguson | 5-6 | Pitcher | Camas, Wash.
Furguson comes to the Lobos from Camas, Wash. where she was named 2017 Colombian Region (WA) Player of the Year and 2017 Greater St. Helens League Pitcher of the Year.

A three-year varsity letterman, Ferguson posted a 17-3 record in 2017. She tallied a 1.20 earned run average pitching 115 innings while accumulating 205 strikeouts. In addition to her impressive statistics in the pitcher’s circle, Ferguson is also a force to be reckoned with at the plate. In 2017, she tallied a .456 batting average.

“As the Washington State Regional Pitcher of the Year, I am looking forward to Kennedy contributing immediately in the circle,” Congleton said. “Megan Betsa, our pitching coach, is also excited about Kennedy’s mix of pitches, speed and movement.”

The four newcomers will join the Lobo squad for the 2019 season.

“The Mountain West is a competitive conference, but I believe with Ashlynn, Kiana, Kennedy and Leslie we will be up for the challenge. I expect us to be competitive and disciplined game-in and game-out during the 2019 season,” Congleton said.