Brookhaven’s Megan Bateman is one of several standout highschool seniors who will be playing fastpitch softball for theCopiah-Lincoln Community College Lady Wolves next year. Bateman, ashortstop, signed her scholarship papers Tuesday in the BHSconference room.

Bateman said she is looking forward to playing for Coach AllenKent and the Lady Wolves. She plans to pursue a career in coachingand teaching.

“I’m proud to have a player of Megan’s caliber coming toCo-Lin,” said Kent. “She’s very versatile and she’ll be a good fitin our program. We like her speed and she has leadershipcapabilities.”

Kent said Bateman could play several positions at Co-Lin. Hemight use her at catcher.

Also signing with Co-Lin are pitcher/outfielder Stacy Smith ofLawrence County, first baseman/outfielder Brandi Bridges of CopiahAcademy and pitcher Kendra Lindsey of Olla, La.

Kent said he planned to sign several more players. “Weanticipate a great recruiting year.”

Bateman, standing 5-foot-2, is an exceptional shortstop withlong range and a strong arm. She was named Best Defensive Player onThe DAILY LEADER’s 2003 All-Area Slowpitch Softball Team. Shebatted .364.

Also a member of the DL’s 2003 All-Area Fastpitch Team, Batemanbatted .288 and stole 24 bases last spring.

BHS softball coach Lisa Covington said Bateman’s skills wereexceptional. “She’s a competitor. She has worked hard to improve.She has been a leader for us in slowpitch and fastpitch. I’mextremely proud of her.”

Smith (5-9) helped lead the LCHS Lady Cougars to a runners-upfinish in last fall’s Class 4A state slowpitch playoffs as apitcher and a hitter. She batted .627 and hit 16 home runs whileposting a 25-6 record on the mound. She was named Player of theYear on the DL’s All-Area Slowpitch Team.

“Stacy is a good team leader,” said LCHS slowpitch softballcoach Tarvey Ward. “She leads by example.”

Kent said Smith’s bat speed was exceptional. “Stacy has thatstrength and ability. She shortened her swing for fastpitch.”

Lindsey, a right-handed pitcher, has earned all-state honors for3 years at LaSalle High School. Bridges is a left-hander who switchhits.