The Skyhawk softball squad added six players during their inaugural signing class this year.
The Skyhawks filled needs on both offense and defense, picking up all-state sluggers and some accomplished pitchers. Of the signings, three are utility players, one is a pitcher and two dedicated field players (one infield, one outfield). All but one signing came from Tennessee.
“I am excited about the athleticism and high level of experience that these young ladies will bring to our program,” said head coach Brian Dunn. “This group of talented players will help bring greater depth and competitiveness to many of our positions. The combined success of this class in both high school and travel ball should translate well as we work to climb to the top of the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC).”
To bolster UTM’s defense, the Skyhawks looked towards Middle Tennessee and added Anna Blanton, an outfielder out of Forrest High School in Chapel Hill. Blanton has seen a good bit of success with Forrest HS, playing in 42 games and helping lead the Rockets to a third state title. Offensively, she put up 46 runs, 17 RBI’s and a .344 batting average.
To reinforce the pitching depth, the Skyhawks brought in nearby talent Emily Brown from Henry County High School in Paris. During her junior year with the Warhawks, Brown made 22 appearances and went 13-7 while recording a 2.15 earned-run-average in 123.1 innings.
Rounding out the dedicated position players is Bryleigh Carneal from South Gibson High School out of Medina. Carneal, a Division II-A West All-Region Player during her junior year, has previous experience playing under Dunn. The infielder recorded a .581 batting average, 20 RBI’s and 23 stolen bases on her way to 2019 All-West Tennessee Softball Team and All-State honors.
Kaci Fuller, a utility player out of Huntingdon High School, put up impressive offensive stats during her junior year with a .637 batting average, six home runs and 28 total runs. This led to Fuller being named to the 2019 All-West Tennessee Softball Team to go along with All-State honors. During her sophomore year, Fuller put up a .505 batting average and 44 RBI’s.
Macy Neal, a utility player from Gibson County High School out of Dyer, recorded a .500 batting average, 25 stolen bases and claimed All-State honors during her junior year. Neal set several school records for the Pioneers during her career, raising the bar in hits, runs scored and stolen bases.
The only non-Tennessee player signed by the Skyhawks in this class is Graci Lusk, a utility player from Hickman County High School out of Clinton, Kentucky. Lusk was a unanimous selection to the All-Purchase Softball Team (has been named to the team since eight grade), hitting a.447 batting average and recording 39 RBI’s. Her sophomore season included a .553 batting average and 25 RBI’s.
More information on these players can be found on Sports Information. The Skyhawk softball team will kick off the 2020 season Feb. 28 at the Southeastern Louisiana Lion Classic against the University of Buffalo.
Photo Credit / Sports Information
