Snyder Announces Addition of Sadler and Burkett

AIKEN, S.C. – University of South Carolina Aiken head softball coach Jerry Snyder announced the addition of two players to the 2012 Pacer softball roster on Wednesday, May 25, 2011.

Cortney Sadler joins the USC Aiken softball program out of State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota, while Victoria Burkett joins the Pacers out of Gilbert High School in Gilbert, S.C.

The duo joins Kaylee Spires out of North Augusta High School in North Augusta, S.C. as the Pacers' three signings for the upcoming year.

"This recruiting class consists of three players that will come in and immediately make us a better team," noted Snyder. "Every year our goal is to make the NCAA tournament, and these players will give us an added push to get there. I'm excited to witness the success they will have here at USC Aiken."

Sadler joins the Pacers after being named to the Suncoast All-Conference first team in 2011. She was given the SCF Coaches' Award at the conclusion of the 2011 season.

In her two years at SCF she had over 84 hits, including 24 doubles and seven home runs. She hit .333 with a team-best 35 RBIs this past season.

While at SCF, Sadler played for former USC Aiken student-athlete Meredith Headings, who noted that "Cortney is the type of player that you find a spot on the field for. She was personally responsible for three walk-off wins for us this year. Her personality, her drive, and her demeanor make her hard to replace. She is a versatile player who fights hard and earns every inning she gets to play … I'm beyond proud to see her go to my alma mater, and I know, she will help USC Aiken continue to be a threat in the Peach Belt Conference."

Snyder is equally as thrilled to have Sadler following Headings' lead into becoming a Pacer.

"Cortney is a solid player, and can play many defensive positions," remarked Snyder. "She also brings a big bat. We're excited to add a player of her caliber to our lineup."

Burkett is a 2011 South Carolina All-State selection. She was chosen as a North/South All-Star in 2011.

Burkett was also an all-region selection in both 2009 and 2010.

"We are extremely happy to bring in a player like Victoria," said Snyder. "She has all the tools to be successful. She is a solid player defensively, and can hit for average and power."

The 2011 USC Aiken softball team concluded its 2011 season by earning a trip to its second NCAA Division II Southeast Regional in the last three seasons.

The Pacers finished their campaign in 2011 with a record of 26-18. Playing in one of the toughest conferences in all of NCAA Division II softball in the Peach Belt Conference the Pacers were 9-11.