MISHAWAKA, Ind. – Kelli Zache, a right-handed pitcher from Western Michigan University has commited to continue her senior year at Bethel College.

“We are so thrilled to add Kelli to our pitching staff,” said Bethel College Head Softball Coach Anna Welsh. “She brings a ton of experience along with a drive to finish her career at the top. It says a lot about someone’s passion for the game if they are willing to transfer for one year. I know she won’t be disappointed.”

Last spring at Western Michigan Kelli made 12 appearances on the mound and allowed zero earned runs in five of those chances. In 6.1 scoreless innings she struck out eight batters against Kent State giving her the victory.

In 2008 she also had 12 appearances and threw a combined no-hitter against Northern Illinois. She also earned a one-hit complete game victory against Virginia. Zache set single-season personal bests with 30.1 innings pitched, 24 strikeouts and a 3.23 ERA while allowing zero earned runs in six of her 12 appearances.

While at Brandywine High School, Zache was a two-time First Team All-State selection.
She was also named all-conference all four years and was a three-year member of the all-district. She led her team to a two-time runner up finish at the state tournament. Zache, the 2006 Brandywine Female Athlete of the Year had a total of 10 varsity letters (4-softball, 3-volleyball, 2-basketball, 1-gymnastics/cheerleading).

As a high school senior Zache went 23-8 and struck out 316 batters while batting .340.
As a junior she went 25-7 with a .49 ERA and struck out 307 batters while carrying a .381 batting average.

Kelli was named to the South Bend Tribune Sports Fest team in both 2005 (softball) and 2006 (softball and volleyball) in which she was named the softball MVP. The Tribune also named her 2006 Female Athlete of the Year. She was also a 2006 MHSAA Senior All-Star Game participant.

“We’re getting a top-notch student-athlete in Kelli,” added Welsh. “We are going to work hard to make it back to NAIA Nationals and I know Kelli can be a huge asset in helping us get there and win it all!”

When asked about her decision Kelli said, “The thing that most excites me about playing at Bethel would be that I get the chance to play with my sister again. Also, I’m close to home and I already have played with some of the girls before, so I’m excited to play with them again. Last but not least, I look forward to representing and contributing to Bethel’s already outstanding program.”

Kelli, a psychology major is the daughter of Rick and Deb Zache of Niles. She’ll be joining younger sister, Kendra at Bethel and said, “Kendra and I are best friends as well as sisters. I couldn’t ask for anything better than another year playing on the same field as my younger sister!”

She will be one of 10 local players on the 2010 roster.