Open Announce

Softball Signs Three For 2020 Season

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.— Head coach Paula Congleton and The University of New Mexico softball program have added three to the 2020 roster, the program announced Monday.

Joining the 2019 signing class are two transfers in Taryn Young (Arizona) and Reyan Tuck (Towson), as well as incoming freshman Brianna Sanchez.

“I am very excited about our recent additions to Lobo softball,” Congleton said. “Both Taryn and Reyan bring a wealth of playing experience to our program and Brianna will also play an important role in helping us gain momentum this year.”

An outfielder from Anaheim Hills, Calif., Young played two seasons with the Wildcats, where she made an appearance in nine career games. In 2019, Young played in five games with just one plate appearance and recorded three outs in the field. In her freshman season, Young played in four games and scored three runs and drew one walk. Her sister, Lauren, played for Arizona from 2012 to 2015.

“I chose UNM for the opportunity of playing for some great coaches and teammates,” Young said. “I’m excited to start a new chapter here at UNM.” While at UNM, Young plans on majoring in criminal justice.

During her high school career at Canyon High School, Young appeared in 114 games and tallied 102 hits, 97 RBI and 83 runs, with a batting average of .321 and an on-base percentage of .410 while playing all four years on the varsity team. The newest Lobo hit 26 career home runs, 11 as a senior, 22 doubles and five triples and drew 43 walks. Her high school accolades include being Freshman of the Year in 2014, named Crestview League MVP in her junior and senior seasons, CIF-SS Athlete of Character and Canyon H.S. Athlete of the Year as a senior and was inducted into the Canyon H.S. Hall of Fame her senior year. She was an all-conference performer all four years, including three first-team nods. She led her team to back-to-back league titles in 2015 and 2016, resulting in her being named team MVP. In addition, she was the recipient of 2016 Division I All-CIF Southern Section Team Award.

Tuck joins the Lobos from Towson University, where she was listed as a first baseman as well as an outfielder but will be a utility player for UNM. From Hillsboro, Ore. and Jesuit High School, Tuck played in 10 games her freshman year for the Towson Tigers, starting in six. She finished the season with a .158 batting average and had one run on three hits, one of which was a double. She also made the honor roll as a freshman.

In high school, Tuck’s team was the 2016 Oregon 6A State Champions and won the Metro League in 2016 and 2018. She was first team all-league in 2017 and 2018 and second team all-league in 2016. In addition, she was named to all-state in 2017 and 2018. Statistically she hit .414 with four home runs as a sophomore and in her junior year hit .444 with six home runs.

What stood out to Tuck in choosing UNM was “the weather, the feel of the campus and the amazing coaching staff.” She plans on majoring in secondary education at UNM.

Sanchez adds to the Lobo pitching staff as a right-hander from West Covina, Calif., graduating from Bishop Amat Memorial High School. She spent her first two years in high school at Alverno Heights Academy before switching to Bishop Amat.

Her freshman year, Sanchez went 5-0 in five appearances with a 0.52 ERA.  She pitched a total of 26.2 innings, allowing 22 hits and eight runs with two earned. She struck out 36 batters while walking 12. Her sophomore season she made 19 appearances in the circle going 13-5 with a 2.29 ERA and earned a save. She pitched 101 innings with 87 hits, 54 runs and 33 earned runs, and 116 strikeouts. In her junior season, Sanchez threw in four games and posted a 2.88 ERA, striking out 15, walking three and allowing 21 hits in 17 innings pitched. In her final season, Sanchez threw 25.2 innings and carried a 3.55 ERA and a 3-0 record.

In addition to pitching, Sanchez batted .333 her senior season and .467 her junior year with 19 plate appearances. She recorded eight hits and recorded four RBI. While at Alverno Heights, Sanchez hit .457 as a sophomore and .513 as a freshman with a total of 125 plate appearances. She recorded 52 hits and 37 RBI with five home runs, two triples and 13 doubles.

Academically, Sanchez was a member of the National Honor Society, Honor Roll and California Scholarship Federation. She plans on majoring in biochemistry at UNM.

“We are looking forward to seeing all three not only contribute but play a vital part in the success of Lobo softball,” Congleton said. “All are very talented and competitive and are also excellent students who will fit in extremely well at UNM.”

The trio joins an already well-rounded class of six that signed in November. Of the nine total signees that comprise Congleton’s second signing class, four are from the state of New Mexico, two are from Oregon and California and one is from Arizona.

Lobo fans can purchase Pride Passes for the 2020 season for just $50 which includes attendance to all home events for volleyball, women’s soccer, swimming and diving, track and field, baseball and softball. Passes can be purchased online here (CLICK HERE), or they can do so directly through the Lobo Ticket Office in person or on the phone (925-LOBO). The Lobo Ticket Office is located in Dreamstyle Arena and is open 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.