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COLUMBUS, Ohio – Lauren Rice, a pitcher who spent her freshman year at Missouri, has transferred to Ohio State to join the Buckeye family, head coach Kelly Kovach Schoenly announced Friday.
“We are thrilled to add someone with Lauren’s experience to our pitching staff,” said Kovach Schoenly. “She is a power pitcher but more importantly, she is fierce. We are excited to add depth to our staff.”
From Morrison, Ill. and a graduate of Morrison High School, Rice stepped in immediately as a first-year hurler to lead the Tigers in wins (12), ERA (3.25), appearances (35), games started (23), complete games (7), shutouts (3), combined shutouts (5), saves (2), innings pitched (146.2), strikeouts (86) and batting average against (.256). The righty ace tossed a season-best seven innings on four separate occasions, highlighted by two complete game victories on the road at Arkansas and No. 5 Georgia.
“The coaches brought me in with open arms,” said Rice. “The campus was beautiful and I knew I would succeed academically and on the field. I’m looking forward to making memories and new friends. I can’t wait to get on the field with the girls.”
A standout at Morrison, Rice was rated 38th overall in FloSoftball’s final Class of 2017 “Hot 100” players. She pitched a perfect game in 2015, in addition to three consecutive no-hitters. Rice’s power is what sets her apart, throwing 70-plus mph in the circle.
Rice also competed with Quad City Firebirds 99 and Chicago Beverly Bandits. She will be a sophomore for the Buckeyes in 2019.
