CCU

Softball Signs Four to National Letters of Intent

       

Softball Signs Four to National Letters of Intent

 

CONWAY, S.C.– Coastal Carolina softball Head Coach Jess Dannelly announced the signing of Verity Long-Droppert (Claremont, Australia/Shenton), Sarah Maples (Pasadena, Texas/Deerk Park), Ivy McCranie (Nashville, Ga./Berrien) and Cacia Pierre (Woodinville, Wash./Woodinville) to national letters of intent, Nov. 19. Long-Droppert will join the team for the 2008 season, while the other three will be a part of the 2009 incoming class. 

Long-Droppert was a member of the Australian U-19 World Championship team that took home a bonze medal. She was also a part of the Western Australia State team. "She's an infielder/outfielder and a very good hitter," Dannelly said. "Hopefully she's going to come in and give us some pop."

Maples who attends Deer Park High in Pasadena, Texas, is a two-time member of the 225A All-District Team. "I doubt anyone can replace Allison Cantrell, but we feel like Sarah (Maples) has got a good chance at it," Dannelly said.

McCranie led the Berrien Lady Rebels to the Region 1-AA championship in Georgia. She batted .380 during her junior season as an infielder and also pitched for the Lady Rebels. "Ivy (McCranie) gives us a third pitcher and makes it so we don't have to recruit a pitcher for a couple years," Dannelly said.

Pierre batted .486 for Woodinville High in Washington. She's a left-handed first baseman/catcher and played for the Washington Sidewinders summer league team. "Cacia (Pierre) can be a possible power hitter for us," Dannelly said.

"I am pleased with Sarah Lockett and Megan Matthews my assistant coaches," Dannelly said. "They did a great job on signing and getting us these kids. We're real pleased to have these girls."

The Lady Chants finished the 2007 season 22-34 overall and 7-8 in league action. Coastal was eliminated in the semifinal round of the Big South Conference Tournament. CCU returns six letterwinners and four starters from last year's squad. Coastal will open the 2008 season against Southern Illinois, Feb. 8, during the opening day of action at the Jacksonville Tournament.