Nov. 15, 2012

TUCSON - Arizona Softball signed five prep players to National Letters of Intent, as announced by Head Coach Mike Candrea. Alexis "Mo" Mercado, Katiyana "Kati" Mauga, Michelle Floyd, Eva Watson and Lauren Johnson make up the very talented 2013 recruiting class.

"Overall this is a very good recruiting class that will bring a great attitude, work ethic, and physical skills that will make an immediate impact in our program," said Candrea. "(The position players) will have a chance to be impact players at this level and Floyd can and should provide us with a solid performer in the circle during her career. This is a very strong class academically."

Alexis "Mo" Mercado - A Temecula, Calif., native ... The daughter of David and Jill Mercado ... A middle infielder ... Played on the So. Cal Athletics, winners of the last two National Championships ... Uncle Richard Mercado played baseball at the University of Arizona (2002-2005) ... Sister Danica will be attending the University of Oregon on a softball scholarship ... Attends Great Oak High School and carries a 3.83 GPA ... Major is undecided.

Candrea said: "Mo is an outstanding player that possesses outstanding tools and instincts for the game. She will be an outstanding middle infielder that will make an impact on both offense and defense. Mo will bring great leadership skills and a passion to win."

Katiyana "Kati" Mauga - A San Diego, Calif., navtive ... Daughter of Matt and Kanani Mauga ... Has one brother and two sisters ... A third baseman ... Played for the Orange County Batbusters ... Attends Mira Mesa High School and carries a 3.50 GPA ... Major is undecided.

Candrea said: "Kati is an outstanding hitter that will hit with power and thrives on pressure situations. She has tremendous instincts for the game and will be a great addition to the middle of our line up. Not big in stature but very powerful and a solid defensive Third baseman."

Michelle Floyd - A San Marino, Calif., native ... Daughter of Dan and Julee Floyd ... Has a sister Charmayne ... Father Dan played football at Stanford University ... A 6'3" pitcher presently playing for the Worth Firecrackers ... Attends San Marino High School and is interested in Sports Broadcasting and Graphic Design and carries a 4.0 GPA.

Candrea said: "Michelle has a tremendous upside and with her height and long levers, she has the potential to be very good in the circle. She won the 16&u National Championship 2 years ago and has been working with former Wildcat great Susie Parra."

Eva Watson - A Victoria, Va., native ... Daughter of Richard and Melissa Watson ... A talented outfielder for the Richmond Ruckus ... Attends Kenston Forest High School in Blackstone, Virginia ... Carries a 4.0 GPA and her major is undecided.

Candrea said: "Eva Watson is a very talented young lady that will bring the Wildcats a legitimate leadoff hitter that has 2.6 speed, can slap, hit with power and has a very strong arm from the outfield. This young lady reminds me of Caitlin Lowe and we are very excited about her future as a Wildcat."

Lauren Johnson - A Phoenix navtive ... Daughter of Paul and Debra Johnson ... Has a 19 year old brother Ryan ... Attended Xavier College Prep and is interested in Pre-med ... Played first base for the Arizona Storm ... Carries a 3.82 GPA.

Candrea said: "Lauren is a young lady that will bring a great passion for the game and will work extremely hard to earn playing time as a Wildcat. She has great potential and an outstanding student from Xavier High School in Phoenix."