Central Washington was one of the big stories from the latter half of 2014, but the Wildcats’ legacy is only beginning. Leading the Pacific Mountain Conference’s North division with a 4-0 record thus far, CWU has bettered its probability of success by adding five recruits for the spring semester.

Former Fallbrook (Calif.) High School captain Taylor Duncan was originally recruited for DI varsity Quinnipiac University, which placed third at the DI fall championship. The freshman has returned to her West Coast roots in joining CWU, and reunites with Fallbrook alumni Megan and Sammy Pinson.

Carrie Vaillancourt is heading back to familiar territory, too. The 5’8” sophomore hails from Olympia, Wash., and began her college career with DI varsity American International College. After several former teammates transferred to Central Washington last semester, the lock reached out to former AIC coach Mel Denham for the opportunity to play closer to home.

The same path to CWU holds true for sophomore Nicole Valli, who is also an AIC alum. The Jupiter, Fla., native is a great finisher on the wing and competed at the 2013 high school Stars & Stripes camp. She’ll inject even more speed and attacking prowess to the backs.

Angela Ve'evalu brings the most experience to the Wildcats. Coming in as a junior, the Sacramento resident came up through the Amazons program and transitioned to the senior side. The No. 8 has played in several women’s DII club championships and has represented the Pacific Coast at the now-defunct Women’s All Star Championship. Ve'evalu marks the second Amazons alum (Suli Tausinga being the first) to relocate to Ellensburg since the program went varsity.

Finally, Marie Beagle is a softball crossover who is showing lots of promise early on, according to Denham.

Central Washington will travel to the University of Washington Saturday for the second half of its season. The Wildcats defeated the Huskies 88-0 in their first meeting.