Nov. 17, 2006

DeKALB, Ill.--Northern Illinois University's Softball program signed two recruits to play for the Huskies in the 2008 season, NIU head coach Donna Martin announced Friday.

Andrea Colosimo from Orland Park, Ill. was a standout at softball powerhouse Carl Sandburg High School and Joreigh Landers from Vernonia, Ore. was a member of the 2006 Northwest League Champion at Vernonia High School.

"Joreigh is a multiple disciplined player in that she can play outfield and pitch equally as well," said head coach Donna Martin. "Andrea comes from a very successful program where she has learned how to win."

Colosimo earned two varsity letters at Sandburg. She was named to the First-Team All Conference squad twice and was named to the All-State team her junior year. Last season, Sandburg finished third in the IHSA Tournament. She holds the IHSA State Tournament record for most hits in a game when she went 4 for 4 in 2006.

Colosimo is very active in her high school community as well. She is a member of the National Honors Society, MU Alpha Theta, Varsity Club, Key Club and Student Council.

"We asked her to come here because she's from a good program, she's a great student and she can hit," she said. "She's a great kid and has a good work ethic. She comes from a successful program."

Landers will be rejoining one of her old travel ball teammates, Kate Greenough. Over the course of her three years at Vernonia, Landers earned three varsity letters and was named Most Valuable Player three times, All-Area Player of the Year three times and earned All-State Player of the Year her junior season.

Last season, her team was league champs with a 13-1 record. A two-sport athlete, Landers also is a member of the basketball team, earning three varsity letters. She was named Vernonia High School Athlete of the Year last season.

Landers also excels in the classroom. She was named to the honor roll all three years. She was also class vice president her sophomore, junior and senior years.

"She's a great athlete," said Martin. "She's got a lot of upside. She's already good. She's only going to get better. She's going to add a lot to our roster."

The Northern Illinois University softball team opens its 2007 season in Cedar Falls, Iowa for the UNI Dome Tournament February 10, 2007.