UAPB Softball Inks Two During Early Signing Period
PINE BLUFF, AR. – The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff head coach Michael Bumpers announced the addition of student-athletes to the class of 2023 after they signed their National Letter of Intent earlier this week. Melani Francis (Port Barre, LA/Port Barre HS) and Kayla Adams (Tulsa, OK. / Jenks HS).
“I am very excited to welcome Melani and Kayla to our Golden Lion family,” said head coach Michael Bumpers. “They are extremely talented student-athletes who are hardworking, competitive, and both want to win on a high level. Melani will bring great speed, good hitting, along with solid defense and Kayla will bring a fierce competitiveness both on the mound and in the box as a hitter. Most importantly, they are individuals of high integrity who will strive for excellence in all that they do, and I know they will be a great fit culturally for our program. I am looking forward to their arrival to campus next fall. Welcome, Melani and Kayla!”
Francis is an outstanding outfielder from Port Barre HS that can flat-out play.
Francis was named First-Team All-District, First-Team All-Parish, and First-Team All-State for the 2021 and 2022 seasons. Francis is interested in majoring in Kinesiology.
Adams, a pitcher from Jenks High School, is considered one of the top pitchers in the state of Oklahoma, where softball is huge. Adams was named All-Region, All-District, All-State, and District 6A- 3 Player of the Year. Adams is interested in majoring in Criminal Justice or Physical Therapy.
The Lady Lions will open up their 2023 season at the OBU Tournament in Arkadelphia, Arkansas on Feb. 10-12 against William Baptist.
