NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State baseball head coach J.P. Davis has announced the signing of his final two players for the 2009 season – right handed pitcher Carlos Maese and catcher Daniel Qualls.

Maese, a 6-1, 180-pounder from Ysleta High School in El Paso, Texas, earned most valuable player honors of his district as well as being named to the all-academic team. 

He finished his senior season 10-5 and recorded 138 strikeouts in 86 innings with just 21 walks.  He compiled a 2.50 earned run average while also belting a .426 batting average with nine home runs, 41 runs batted in, and a .851 slugging percentage.

“We are very pleased to sign Carlos this late in the year,” said Davis.  “He comes highly recommended and should factor in immediately this spring.  He has all the tools to be an outstanding Division I pitcher – athleticism, knowledge of the game, a very good arm, and most importantly, a very strong competitive spirit.”

Qualls is a 6-1, 200-pound lefty from Northeast Texas Community College.

The San Antonio native hit .328 for head coach Chris Smith last season.

“Daniel will give us another quality guy behind the plate that will strongly contend for the starting catching job,” said Davis.  “He is a good receiver and blocker with the ability to throw guys out.  He is a big, strong, and durable guy that will provide us with some toughness back behind the plate as well.  He also give us another much needed quality left handed bat in the lineup.”

The two signings brings the total number to 12 for the Demon signing class.

“The addition of Carlos and Daniel cap off what we feel like is a very strong class,” said Davis.  “We are definitely looking forward to getting out on the field this fall and see this team start taking shape.”