Nov. 14, 2000

Chicago, Ill. - The University of Illinois at Chicago softball program added to its 2002 recruiting class this afternoon as Naperville Central High School's Leigh Farina signed a National Letter of Intent to play for the Flames.

A 2000 All-DuPage Valley Conference and Daily Herald All-Area honoree, Farina batted .333 in the clean-up spot for the Redhawks last season while totaling 43 hits, nine doubles and 26 RBI. The senior plays both catcher and third base for Naperville Central, which finished the 2000 campaign with a 27-11 record and was ranked in the top 20 in Illinois.

Farina is the third recruit to sign with UIC, joining California natives - Sara Hernandez (Rowland, Calif./Rowland HS) and Cameron Astiazaran (Rolling Hills Estates, Calif./Palos Verdes Peninsula HS).

The 2001 Flames will get their season underway on Feb. 2, as they take on San Diego State in the opening game of the Long Beach State Invitational.