Wittenberg Director of Athletics and Recreation Garnett Purnell has announced the hiring of Laura Matthews as the university’s new softball head coach on Monday.

Matthews, a 2008 University of Dayton graduate, had a successful four-year stint as an assistant coach at Lake Forest College. Matthews became pitching coach in 2011 and helped the Foresters drop their team earned run average by 0.70 runs per game in 2012.

Matthews replaces Becky Hall, who resigned in May to accept the director of athletics position at Oglethorpe University.

AREA GOLF

Seitz has 1st round lead at Junior Classic

Carroll High golfer Nick Seitz shot a 71 to lead the Boys 16-17 old division after the first round of the Ohio Junior Golf Classic at Windy Knoll Golf Club. Kenton Ridge’s Seth Fearn is second (76).

Tecumseh’s Brandon Pursifull shot a 79 to lead the Boys 14-15 division. Northwestern freshman Kyle Glaser is second (83) and Tecumseh’s Connor Estes is third (86). Kyle Foley shot a career best 79 to lead the 13 & under division and Luke Wells leads the 11 & under division (104).

Beavercreek’s Gabby Marcum shot a 76 to lead the Girls 16-17 division. Catholic Central’s Katie Taylor is in third place (89). Stephanie Brooks leads the 14-15 girls division with a 98. Graham’s Makayla Morgan is second (99). Northeastern’s Abby Fisher leads the 13 & under field.