DES MOINES, Iowa - The Drake University softball team signed four players to national letters of intent this week, head coach Rich Calvert announced. The team added OF Liz Buck (Overland Park, Kan./Blue Valley West), P/OF Jordan Gronewold (Carlisle, Iowa/Carlisle), SS Amy Pierce (Olathe, Kan./Olathe Northwest) and OF Nicole Randel (Alpine, Calif./Steele Canyon).

"I am thrilled with the overall makeup of the 2010 class," said Calvert. "As with any class that we bring into Drake, we look for great character and solid academics. This class is as good as any that we have had here at Drake in those areas. With that said, they also have softball skills that we feel can compete with anybody. Each one of them will be a big part of our team immediately."

Buck, an outfielder from Overland Park, Kan., was a first team all-state honoree during her sophomore year.

"Liz is a left-handed first baseman and hitter," Calvert said. "She has a smooth swing and does a great job of hitting to all fields. Defensively, she has great instincts for the game."

Gronewold, a pitcher and outfielder from Carlisle, Iowa, was a first team all-state honoree after finishing her junior year 34-2 with a 0.30 ERA and a .508 batting average.

"We feel her best days are ahead of her in the circle as she continues to get better," Calvert said. "We are really anxious to see how good she can get. Her versatility will be a great fit for our team as she is able to play the outfield when not in the circle."

Pierce, a shortstop from Olathe, Kan., led her team to a 25-0 record and a Kansas Class 6A state championship a year ago.

"Amy is a tremendous athlete that brings in skills that you cannot teach," Calvert said. "She is someone that you can train to play anywhere on the field. She has a great short game along with the ability to hit the ball out of the park."

Randel, an outfielder from Alpine Calif., can play multiple positions and hit a team-best .400 in 2008.

"Nicole brings a solid game to Drake," Calvert said. "She is an excellent left-handed hitter who has the potential to step right in and be productive in the middle of our order. We recruited her as an outfielder, but she is capable of playing third base as well."

Drake softball begins its 2010 season Feb. 12 at the Metrodome Classic with a matchup against Iowa State.