The University of Kentucky softball team welcomes two new members on its roster, after losing four seniors to graduation last year. The Wildcats posted a record of 36-29 in 2000.

Rachel Friberg is a product of Thomas Jefferson High School in Bloomington, Minn., where she played for the Minnesota Blizzard summer team under Dwight Bialowas. A versatile athlete, she can play at nearly any position, making her a huge asset to her coaches. In high school, Friberg was a five-year starter and letterwinner under Coach Renee Sbrocco. She was All-Conference 1997-99 and had the team batting title in 1997 and 1999. As a competitor in five ASA Junior Olympic National Tournaments (1991, 1993, 1996, and 1998-99), she helped three of those teams finish in the Top 20 in the nation.

“Rachel is a super-smooth infielder and is a great competitor,” said Coach Beth Kirchner.

Pitcher Monique Lovell comes to UK from Hollywood, Calif., where she attended Monclair Prep and played for Greg Reece. Lovell started and lettered three years for the Mounties. In the California State Championship game in 1999, she helped her team capture the title. She was All-League, All-CIF, and the team MVP in 1999 and was a member of Shilos, an All-Star team that was the 1999 California State Champion. A multi-sport athlete, Lovell played volleyball and basketball in addition to softball in high school.

“Monique has the potential to be the most overpowering pitcher we have had at UK,” said Kirchner. “We are excited to get her in the circle.”

The softball team will play a short fall season, culminating in a tournament at the UK Softball Complex on Sept. 30.