Wichita State softball adds power-hitting transfer from Oklahoma State
Wichita State softball coach Kristi Bredbenner went into the summer looking for a power bat and a pitcher with the potential to help immediately.
While she missed out landing a transfer pitcher, Bredbenner is excited about the addition of Asea (pronounced “Asia”) Webber, a transfer from Oklahoma State with experience at third base, shortstop and in left field.
“She’s very versatile, ” Bredbenner said. “She can hit for contact, and she has quite a bit of power, too. She loves the weight room.”
Webber, a lefty from Mannford, Okla., will have three seasons of eligibility and is eligible for the 2017 season. She played in seven games and went 1 for 6 for OSU last season after recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee.
WSU recruited Webber out of high school before she signed with OSU. She hit nine home runs with a .520 batting average at Mannford and earned a spot on the All-State Middle East team in 2014.
With six starters back, Bredbenner will take a look at Webber’s possible positions during fall practice.
“The big thing for us is finding where we’re going to piece together a spot for her,” Bredbenner said. “There will be a lot of competition. Where we’re deep at, we’re deep with talent.”
WSU’s success last spring, when it won the Missouri Valley Conference title and went 1-2 in the NCAA Norman Regional, helped lure Webber.
“I loved Coach Bredbenner; she’s always been really nice,” Webber said. “Once I watched them this past year, I was really impressed.”
The Shockers must replace two-time MVC Player of the Year first baseman Cacy Williams, third baseman Liz Broyles and outfielder Brittany Fortner from the lineup. Bredbenner compares Webber to Fortner, who hit .319 with five home runs.
“Hopefully, I can get in there and hit,” Webber said. “That’s probably what I do best.”
Paul Suellentrop: 316-269-6760, @paulsuellentrop
This story was originally published August 17, 2016 at 12:53 PM with the headline "Wichita State softball adds power-hitting transfer from Oklahoma State."