CLINTON, Iowa - The Ashford University softball program remained active on the recruiting trail recently, gaining its 15th commitment of the offseason with the signing of Gianna Berti of San Jose, Calif., earlier this month.

With the commitment, Berti becomes the second recruit from the state of California to commit to the Saints, joining Rachel Hong of Huntington Beach.

Collectively, they will form a Golden State trio on next year's roster, including sophomore infielder Stephanie Hebison of Fremont.

"Gianna is a great find for us," said AU Head Coach Kevin Jannusch. "She has played big-time softball her entire club career in the talent-rich Northern California/Bay area, and we expect her to make an immediate impact somewhere up the middle."

"She has experience at shortstop, centerfield and as a pitcher, and is a dangerous offensive weapon with both her bat and legs," he added. "I believe Gianna is a talent in the circle and can give us some quality innings in while competing for a championship run in the MCC."

Berti is a former club softball teammate of Hebison. The duo shined under Head Coach Mark Espinoza with the Nor Cal Legends Gold Club softball squad.

Coached by Bob McIntyre at Santa Teresa High School, Berti led the Lady Saints to a 22-5 record, including a 13-1 mark in conference play this past season. For her efforts, Berti was recognized as an All-Blossom Valley Athletic League First-Team selection for the second consecutive season.

Berti was also a two-time All-Area Honorable Mention selection and was voted as Saint Teresa High School's Most Valuable Player of the Year in both her junior and senior seasons.

Off the softball field, Berti was also a two-year varsity starter on the Lady Saints' water polo team.

The daughter of Reg and Elaina Berti, Gianna is a prospective Communications major when she arrives to campus in the fall.

Ashford University Softball 2011 Signing Class
Gianna Berti - Shortstop/Pitcher - San Jose, Calif. (Santa Teresa)
Kelli Shimp - Shortstop - Dixon, Iowa (North Scott/Muscatine C.C.)
Kara Christensen - Outfielder - Independence, Iowa (Independence/Kirkwood C.C.)
Emily Whetstone - Pitcher - Wapakoneta, Ohio (Wapakoneta)
Hailey Hall - Outfield - Morrison, Ill. (Morrison/Muscatine C.C.)
Danielle Teter - Outfield - Ogden, Iowa (Ogden/Ellsworth C.C.)
Alexandria Bitto - Outfield/Catcher - Chicago Heights, Ill. (Homewood-Flossmoor H.S.)
Megan Frieling - Pitcher - Lansing, Ill. (Thornton Fractional South H.S.)
Payton Geeting - Outfield - Port Byron, Ill. (United Township H.S.)
Erika Fisk - Catcher - Peoria, Ill. (Richwood H.S./Illinois Central College)
Britnee Dobbs - First Base/Third Base - Westchester, Ill. (St. Joseph H.S.)
Christine Ho - Third Base - Woodinville, Wash. (Redmond H.S.)
Rachel Hong - Pitcher/First Base - Huntington Beach, Calif. (Marina H.S.)
Kalyn Ohlmeyer - Second Base/Catcher - Indianapolis, Ind. (Decatur Central H.S.)
Shelby Hobelman - Catcher - Houston, Texas (Cypress Ranch H.S.)