MCC Softball adds new talent

(MERIDIAN) – Meridian Community College head softball coach Robert Eakins announced Tuesday the signing of five new players for the 2007-08 season.

Latoya Braxton, Constance Jones, Chasiddy Roberts, Stephanie Stevens, and Andrea Wilson signed to play with the Lady Eagle Softball program.

“We have high expectations for this class,” said Eakins.

“We are in the process of adjusting our offensive approach to the game and we think each of these young ladies will help with this new approach of quickness and contact.”

“They are multiple positions players which will be a plus for us as we try to put together our team during the fall. Most of these ladies have been a three sport participant during their high school career.”

LaToya Braxton, who signed with MCC earlier in the spring, comes to MCC from Bogue Chitto High School where she played under Coach Leggett. She was a three sport letterman there, playing basketball, slow pitch, and fast pitch softball. Eakins said that initially she will be in the outfield but that she has the experience and ability to help out the infield if needed. Offensively, Braxton has the combination of size, speed, and power to make her a dual threat in the lineup.

Constance Jones comes to MCC from Quitman High School where she played under Coach Kaci Leubbers. She helped spark the QHS program which made the playoffs over her last two years. According to Eakins, under Coach Leubbers, Jones developed a great work ethic and desire to be a champion. Defensively, Jones will start off at first base and work on her pitching game. Offensively, she has good power and will be using that to drive in runs.

“We will work with Constance this fall to make the adjustment to this level of competition,” said Eakins.

“The quicker she does this the better our chance at success this spring will be. Look for her to have a highly successful career here at MCC.”

Chassidy Roberts comes to MCC from Clarkdale High School where she played under Coach Rick Roberson. She was three sport participant in basketball, slow pitch, and fast pitch softball during her athletic career at CHS.

“All of Coach Roberson’s players are fundamentally sound and have always factored into our programs success,” said Eakins.

“Being a left-handed hitter we will be using her speed to help develop our short game and her power to help drive in runs. We are looking for her to step in immediately to help us.”

On defense Roberts will be playing outfield, while offensively she will be a dual threat with speed and power.

Stephanie Stevens comes to us from Amite School Center from Liberty, MS where she played under Coach Billy Jones. Also during the summer she played for the Louisiana Patriots under Ben Guidry.

“Stephanie has received a good training background from two coaches that I have great respect for,” said Eakins

“She received several awards during her career with the most rewarding one being selected team captain. Instantly she brings leadership qualities to our team.”

Defensively, Stevens will help MCC immediately at the corner positions on the infield (1B & 3B) and behind the plate (C). Offensively, she is known as a good contact hitter that spreads the ball around the field. Stevens has some experience in the pitching department if needed.

“The thing that caught our attention is her desire to excel and work ethic,” said Eakins.

Andrea Wilson comes to from Russell Christian Academy in Meridian, MS where she played under Coach Terry Pippin. She was a three (3) sport player having participated in basketball, slow pitch and fast pitch softball. She was selected All District in softball for the MPSA. She is a catcher and utility infielder.

“We look forward to her using her versatility to help us rebuild our infield depth on defense and help us with our contact and short game on offense,” said Eakins.