UMC Softball Adds Derflinger and Larson to Signing Class

CROOKSTON, Minn.- The University of Minnesota Crookston softball program announced the additions of a pair of signees from Iowa Lakes Community College to National Letters of Intent. Jordyn Derflinger (OF/P, Henderson, Nev./Iowa Lakes C.C.) and Kristi Larson (IF, New Ulm, Minn./Iowa Lakes C.C.). will join the UMC softball team beginning in the fall of 2014 with their first season with the team being during the spring of 2015.

Derflinger and Larson join three signees who have already signed National Letters of Intent with UMC. Victoria Bayliss (OF/P, West Bloomfield, Mich./Notre Dame Preparatory H.S.) signed an NLI in April, while Gabriel Antolak (C/3B, Zimmerman, Minn.) and Samantha Kuhlow (C/1B, Big Lake, Minn.) signed with the team during the Early Signing Period in the fall.

As a pitcher, Derflinger had a 3-6 mark with a 4.66 earned runs average in 70.2 innings pitched for Iowa Lakes as a freshman. Derflinger had 19 strikeouts and 11 complete games for the Lakers in 2014. In two wins against Indiana Tech went five innings and gave up no earned runs with one hit allowed in game one and three hits in game two. Also earned a victory over Ellsworth Community College. At the plate, scored four runs on the season in 37 starts for the Lakers as a freshman. As a sophomore, she scored 16 runs with two doubles and had eight runs batted in. In the circle, Derflinger was 5-7 with 107.0 innings pitched as a sophomore with 31 strikeouts and 15 complete games.

Derflinger is the daughter of Kim and Dean Derflinger. She attended Foothills H.S. in Henderson, Nev. for her prep career.

Larson joins her brother Kevin Larson at UMC. Kevin is a senior point guard for the Minnesota Crookston men’s basketball program. Larson was third on the Iowa Lakes Community College team as a freshman with a .347 batting average. Larson had 21 runs scored, 35 hits, eight doubles, one triple, two home runs and 21 RBI’s during her first season with the Lakers. She had a .505 slugging percentage. As a sophomore, she hit .341, which was second on team. Larson ahd 36 runs scored, 12 doubles, two triples, four home runs and 35 RBI’s with a .548 slugging percentage.

Larson is the daughter of Craig and Kathy Larson. She played prep softball as New Ulm Cathedral H.S. in New Ulm, Minn. Larson’s brother Kevin also attended Iowa Lakes C.C. before transferring to UMC prior to the 2013-14 season.

The Golden Eagles are currently looking for a new softball coach as Ed Deugan did not have his contract renewed following the season. UMC is hoping to have a new coach in place as soon as possible. Minnesota Crookston is currently slated to return 10 players from their 2014 roster. The five additions brings the roster to 15. Leading the way will be seniors Shelby Hollinger (Sr., 2B, Neudorf, Saskatchewan/Health Science) and Josee Plante (Sr., 3B, Manitou, Manitoba/Health Science). Hollinger hit .280 with 10 runs scored, four doubles, one home run and five RBI’s as a junior while Plante hit .252 with nine runs scored, two doubles, two home runs and 10 RBI’s for the Golden Eagles in 2014.

All signees are contingent upon admission to UMC and compliance with NCAA rules, including certification by the NCAA Eligibility Center. Everyone released today has signed their National Letter of Intent prior to the release of information.

For more information, visit the Golden Eagle Athletics website at www.goldeneaglesports.com.