Fresno Leader

Fresno State University Athletics issued the following announcement on Nov 12.

Fresno State head softball coach Linda Garza welcomed a pair of infielders, Taryn Irigoyen and Haley Painter, to the program on national signing day. Each of the newest Bulldogs signed their national letters of intent on Wednesday, which was the first day of the early signing period for the class of 2021.

Irigoyen and Painter will both be on campus fall of 2021, and compete on the 2022 softball team. Irigoyen is a Valley product, while Painter calls the Golden State home too, as she hails from the Bay Area.

Taryn Irigoyen

Height: 5-9

Position: INF

Hometown: Kingsburg, Calif.

High School: Kingsburg HS

Irigoyen helped lead Kingsburg HS to a 25-5-1 record in 2019, which resulted in a CIF Division II Championship. The Vikings chalked back-to-back Central Sequoia Championships (2018, 2019). Irigoyen finished her sophomore season with a .493 batting average, 23 RBIs and a .746 slugging percent. The infielder was named Offensive Player of the Year, a CSL All-League selection and made the Pagmeter Central Section All-Star List. Irigoyen, a dual sport athlete, also helped the Vikings soccer team to two CSL Championships and two CIF Division 3/4 Championships as a midfielder. The Valley native, was also recruited by Boston University, CSU Fullerton, Stanford, San Marcos, UC Davis and Loyola Marymount.

"Taryn is a Valley native and understands the history and expectations," Garza said. "She has been around our program, played for coaches who know my style. Taryn fits our needs and I'm excited to coach her over the next four years. Taryn is athletic, plays a multitude of positions and works. I'm excited to have her as a Bulldog."

Haley Painter

Height: 5-6

Position: INF

Hometown: Oakley, Calif.

High School: Antioch HS

Painter is a two-time Bay Area Athletic League First Team Shortstop selection and two-time recipient of the Silver Slugger Award. She has compiled a .457 batting average, 47 runs, 80 hits, 16 home runs, 63 RBIs and a .810 slugging percentage as a three-year team captain at Antioch HS. Painter has logged a .975 fielding percentage at shortstop for the Panthers. She was named the 2018 Freshman of the Year. The Oakley, Calif. native, was also recruited by Cal, Stanford, UOP, Indiana, and Missouri.

"I have seen Haley compete at various levels and her will to succeed is impeccable," Garza said. "The Pandemic hit in the middle of the recruiting process. Haley's commitment to the work each week, our relationship grew with each recruiting conversation and Haley understands my expectations. She's a tough gritty player who embraces the challenges. There is no doubt she fits the Bulldog mentality." 

"Fresno State Athletics: The Pride of the Valley '' – The Bulldog Foundation creates championship experiences for Fresno State student-athletes as they strive for excellence in the classroom, in competition, and in life. To become a BDF member, please visit bulldogfoundation.org.

Original source can be found here.