(Peru, Neb.) – Peru State College (PSC) Softball Coach Mark Mathews announced the signing of Tiffany Mata (Indio, Cal.), Toni Blackwell (Papillion), Lauren Johnson (Seward), Lisa Vanderhoof (Villisca, Iowa), and Toni Moffatt (Morden, Manitoba, Canada) to the 2011-2012 Bobcat Softball Team.

Mata, a 5'2” infielder, is the daughter of Darnell and Tracy Reed and will be a junior at PSC.   Mata is a transfer student from College of the Desert (Palm Desert, Cal.) where she previously played softball earning a reputation for being an aggressive and skilled player.  Mata is also a versatile player, having the ability to successfully be an infielder and outfielder.  Mata is continuing her education by working on obtaining a bachelor's of psychology.  Mata is excited for the opportunity to strengthen the Bobcat's defense.

Blackwell, daughter of Anthony and Renee, is a 5'3” outfield and will be entering her first year at PSC.   Blackwell is a recent graduate of Papillion Lavista High School where her team was the 2009-2010 State Champions.  Blackwell is looking to build upon her current capabilities as an outfielder while helping the Bobcats have a successful season. Blackwell's parents are Anthony and P. Renee Blackwell.

Johnson, a 5'10” pitcher and 1^st baseman, is the daughter of Russell and Theresa Johnson and will be a freshman.  Johnson recently graduated from Seward High School after a great career earning NSAA Academic All-State for fall 2010, All-State Team Honorable Mention, and made the Central Conference Softball East Division All-Conference Team of 2010.  Johnson brings her enthusiasm, discipline, and hardworking attitude to the Bobcat softball program.

A 5'4” infielder coming to Peru State College via Southeast Community College Beatrice (SCC) is Vanderhoof, daughter of Amy and Jeff Vanderhoof.  Vanderhoof has left quite an impression wherever she plays, earning a sportsmanship award, making 1^st Team Corner Conference All Conference her sophomore year to senior year of high school, and meriting All-State Honorable Mention her junior year.  Vanderhoof was also an Academic All-American at SCC. The Bobcats are looking at Vanderhoof's talent as an infielder to give the team a competitive edge.

A transfer student from North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS), Moffatt will be an outfielder for the Bobcats, a position Moffatt is familiar and experienced with from the past.  Moffatt is the team's second international student, joining fellow Canadian Kristen Bodyk. In her time playing at NDSCS, her team won the Mon-Dak Conference two consecutive years, and 5'8” Moffatt earned both all conference and all region awards for 2011.  Moffatt's major is education with a minor in psychology, and she plans to further both her academic and athletic abilities while at PSC. Moffatt's parents are Ken and Barb Moffatt.

Mathews is pleased with his initial group of recruits.  He commented, “These players will have an opportunity to come in and potentially help us right away as we need to replace several key players from last year's squad.  This group, along with the other recruits and returners, should provide a good nucleus for us as we begin our first year as members of the Heart of America Athletic Conference.”