TUCSON – Five of the top prep softball players nationally pledged to attend the University of Arizona, head coach Mike Candrea announced on Wednesday.
 
The Wildcats will welcome Ali Ashner, a utility player from Chandler, Arizona, Vanessa Foreman, a left-handed pitcher from Lakewood, California, Riley Kuderca, an outfielder from Patterson, California, Isabel Pacho, a catcher/infielder from Tucson, Arizona and Marissa Schuld, a right-handed pitcher from Phoenix, Arizona.
 
"I really like this class," said Candrea. "I think it gives us some immediate help in the circle with Vanessa Foreman and Marissa Schuld. I think Riley Kuderca gives a solid outfielder that can play here for a long time. Ali Ashner gives us someone that's very competitive and hungry to play at this level and Izzy Pacho gives us someone who can really swing the bat, and swing it with power. We only graduate two seniors this year, but, overall, they meet our needs for next year. They all have room to grow. They're all good players that fit our needs and fit our program. I know they're all excited to wear the Wildcat uniform."
 

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Ali Ashner
Utility
Chandler, Ariz. (Hamilton H.S.)
Club: Arizona Hotshots
 
A second-team all-state performer at Hamilton H.S. in Chandler, Ariz., where she helped lead the Huskies to back-to-back state titles in 2016 and 2017 … An all-region and all-conference performer in 2017 … Hit .634 in 2015 to lead all AIA Division 2 as a freshman … Has had over 50 hits in all three high school seasons and an average about .440 all three years.
 
Candrea says: "Ali Ashner is someone we got late, and we're thrilled that she committed to us. She's another kid that's out to prove that she can help us win a championship. She's from Hamilton High School and she played for Rocky Parra, Susie Parra's dad."
 
Ali says: "I was born and raised in Arizona and I've always dreamed of representing my state at the highest level. I'm looking forward to the next chapter of my life and being a Wildcat. I'm excited to be coached by a Hall of Famer and excel both on and off the field. Bear down. See you in OKC."
 

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Vanessa Foreman
Pitcher
Lakewood, Calif. (Lakewood H.S.)
Club: OC Batbusters
 
Named USSSA Elite Select first-team All-American in 2016 … Two-time PGF National Champion with the Batbusters … Earned 2016 Moore League Pitcher of the Year.
 
Candrea says: "I was very impressed with Vanessa from a very young age. As long as she continues to develop, I think she's going to give us a very solid left handed pitcher who can spin the ball well and get people out at this level."
 
Vanessa says: "I am so thrilled to be signing with Arizona. I chose this school because of how beautiful the campus is and how welcoming the coaching staff and team are. I can't wait to help contribute wins to the program and be pushed to achieve my full potential."
 

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Riley Kuderca
Outfielder
Patterson, Calif. (Patterson H.S.)
Club: OC Batbusters
 
Ranked No. 75 nationally by FloSoftball … Selected first-team all-league every year since freshman year … Has hit .505 with 98 stolen bases in three seasons … Finished fifth place at PGF Nationals 16U … A three-time PRIDE Scholar Athlete … California Level 9 State Gymnastics Champion as well as high school league long jump champion.
 
Candrea says: "Riley is a quick kid with a lot of upside. She hits from the left side and can hit away and can short game. She has above average speed and I think is going to develop into a really good outfielder."
 
Riley says: "I am very excited to continue my softball career at the University of Arizona. It is a dream to play for these amazing coaches and with these incredible players to continue on the legacy of Arizona Softball."
 

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Isabel Pacho
Catcher/Infielder
Tucson, Ariz. (Ironwood Ridge H.S.)
Club: Oro Valley Suncats
 
Named first-team all-state 2015-17 at Ironwood Ridge High School in Tucson, where she helped lead the Nighthawks to the 2015-16 state championship … Selected as team MVP from 2015-17 … Has helped lead her club team, the Oro Valley Suncats, to three straight Colorado Sparkler TV Game Championships … Hit .568 with 12 home runs in 2017 and .458 with nine homers in 2016.
 
Candrea says: "We're always excited to get local kids. Izzy has had a really good high school career. She has shown a lot of power. She plays both corner infield positions and catches. I like her softball instincts. She's a competitor who works very hard. She has a chance of being a good player at this level."
 
Isabel says: "I'm fulfilling the dream that I've had for myself ever since I was five years old by signing with Arizona. Everyone on campus, including the coaches, are amazing and I can't wait to be a part of this exciting program. This is my home town and I want to take full advantage of this incredible opportunity. I couldn't imagine playing softball for anyone else other than U of A. Bear Down!"
 

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Marissa Schuld
Pitcher
Phoenix, Ariz. (Pinnacle H.S.)
Club: Oro Valley Suncats
 
Named 2017 Gatorade Softball Player of the Year ... Selected as 2017 AZ Central Softball Player of the Year as well as runner-up Female Athlete of the Year (all sports) … A 2017 MaxPreps All-American and MaxPreps National Softball Player of the Year Watch List … Named to USA Today top-20 national ranking list as well as All State Insurance Top 25 National Player of the Year List … AIA Softball Player of the Year and 6A Conference Player of the Year … Posted a 0.80 ERA in 2017 with 248 strikeouts while hitting 15 home runs, all school records … Pitched two perfect games in 2017 … Hit .510 at the plate … After just three years, holds Pinnacle High School career records in ERA (1.53), strikeout/innings pitched (1.43), batting average (.432), home runs (21), doubles (26) and RBI (125).
 
Candrea says: "Marissa is a very accomplished pitcher that hits as well. I love her competitiveness. I think she has a good chance of being really good because she's very meticulous. She's one of those kids that has a very strong passion of being highly successful. I think she's going to work really hard and will continue to develop under Taryne (Mowatt). She spins the ball well and can do a lot of good things."
 
Marissa says: "I am excited to be a part of the University of Arizona because it is a school of tradition and I am excited to learn and grow as a person and player from one of the best coaching staffs. I am looking forward to competing every day for a national championship."