THIS YEAR: Sophomore first baseman Jessica Melcher stepped in right away last year and held her own as a college first baseman ... Was already a solid defender and hitter and should continue to improve as she plays with greater confidence ... Digs the ball well at first base ... Should begin to tap into her natural power at the plate this year.
2013Â (freshman): Started 33 of the 34 games she played as a true freshman ... Posted a .260 batting average, going 20-for-77 with two doubles and four RBIs ... Was hit by pitch a team-high six times ... Registered one sacrifice fly and executed five sacrifice bunts ... Notched a .975 fielding percentage at first base ... Had two multi-hit games and a season-long hitting streak of six games, which included a four-game PacWest series with Holy Names during which she went five-for-11 with a double ... Singled and scored in her first collegiate game, an extra-inning victory over Cal State San Bernardino.
HIGH SCHOOL: Played four years of varsity softball for head coach DeDe Grutz at La Quinta High School in Indio, Calif. ... Received All-Desert Valley League first team honors her junior year, which she followed with all-league honorable mention as a 2012 senior ... Helped lead the Blackhawks to four consecutive Desert Valley League titles, including consecutive undefeated league championships her final two years ... Batted .394 (26-for-66) with eight runs and 12 RBIs her junior year, which she followed as a senior by hitting .362 (21-for-58) with 16 runs and 14 RBIs ... Also pitched her junior year, making 13 starts for a 9-3 record with a 2.07 ERA in 81.1 innings.
PERSONAL: Born Feb. 21, 1994 in Columbus, Neb. ... Parents are Russ (construction supervisor) and Michelle (homemaker) Melcher ... Has two brothers, one older and one younger ... Majoring in applied exercise science and would like to work for a college or professional sports team ... Enjoys playing volleyball, basketball, and golf ... Also enjoys studying history, singing, and playing guitar.
