Former Cascade High School pitcher Jessica Slate has joined Corban's softball team for the upcoming 2012 season.
Ohta Adds Two-Time State Champion to Corban's 2012 Roster
SALEM, Ore. – Corban University's head softball coach Nathan Ohta announced Wednesday that he has added two-time 4A state champion and former Cascade High School all-state pitcher Jessica Slate to his roster for upcoming 2012 season.
"Jessica is a very talented softball player that will see time for us in the circle and in the infield," said Ohta. "As a pitcher she has good velocity, locates a variety of pitches very well, and will be a great addition to our pitching staff. Jess also has the ability to hit for power and average, and will be a great boost to our lineup offensively. We are excited to have her join our softball program."
Slate, a 5-foot-4 right-hander, comes to Corban after spending one semester at Hamline University in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The former Cascade standout did not play for the Pipers and therefore will compete as a freshman this season for the Warriors.
During her high school career, Slate helped lead Cascade to back-to-back 4A state championship as a junior and senior. Slate was also a two-time all-state Pitcher of the Year in 2010 and 2011, while earning three straight all-league Pitcher of the Year honors.
As a senior, Slate helped lead Cascade to its second of two straight state title with a 5-1 victory over Henley High School. Against the Hornets of Henley, Slate went the distance allowing one unearned run on six hits to go along with five strikeouts. At the plate, Slate went 1-for-4 that included a run-scoring single in the Cougars' four-run fourth inning. Slate and Cascade would end the season 26-3 overall.
During her junior season, Slate helped guide the Cougars to their first of back-to-back state titles thanks to a 2-1 victory over Banks. The all-state pitcher went all 7.0 innings allowing one earned run on four hits to go along with a game-high tying five strikeouts. At the plate, Slate drove in the game-winning runs in the top of the seventh inning via a bases clearing triple. In the midst of helping Cascade capture the state title, Slate pitched the Cougars into the title game thanks to a 2-1 win over reigning state champions Marist.
Besides her accolades at Cascade, Slate also pitched for the Oregon Panthers' ASA team.
Corban, who is currently ranked 23rd in the NAIA Preseason Poll, will begin the 2012 season with eight games in three days in Northern California. The Warriors will start their season-opening road trip with a double header against California Pacific Conference member Menlo on Thursday, February 9th, beginning at 10:00 a.m. in Atherton, California.