FLORENCE, S.C. – Francis Marion University softball coach
Stacey Vallee has announced the addition of one junior college
transfer and the signing of five high school seniors during the
recent early signing period: infielder Tristan Faile of Lancaster,
S.C., catcher-outfielder Olivia Ferguson of Roanoke, Va.,
catcher-first baseman Annie Hegar of Jefferson, N.C., left-handed
pitcher Murphy McConnell of Milton, Ga., utility player Jamie Ross
of Cape Coral, Fla., and right-handed pitcher Brittany Scoggins of
Boiling Springs, S.C.
Faile, 5-7, is a senior at Andrew Jackson High School where she
plays for coach Steve Middleton. She is a two-time All-State
selection, a three-time All-Region pick, and was named her
team’s most valuable player last spring. In 2008, she batted
.468 with 16 runs batted in as the Lady Vols posted a 20-11 mark.
She also recorded two shutouts on the pitching mound.
A four-year starter, she has helped AJ to a 113-12 combined record
that includes four region titles and two Class AA state
championships. She batted .458 with 19 RBIs and 40 runs scored as a
sophomore and .425 with 14 RBIs and 50 runs as a freshman. Faile is
a member of the National Honor Society, and her older sister plays
on the LSU softball team.
Ferguson, 5-6, is a senior at Cave Spring High School where she
plays under the direction of coach Lindsey Moore. Last spring, she
earned first-team All-State, All-Region, All-River Ridge District,
and All-Timesland recognition after hitting a district and
region-high .512 with 12 stolen bases and a district-leading 31
RBIs. She also recorded a.818 slugging percentage.
Hegar, 5-10, is a senior at Ashe County High School where she plays
for coach Bill Key. As a junior, she was an All-Mountain Valley
Athletic Conference pick while helping the Huskies to a 13-10
record and a program-best third-round appearance in the state
playoffs. She also received 2008 Scholar-Athlete recognition.
Prior to moving to the Tar Heel State, she attended Juneau (Alaska)
Douglas High School for two years, earning team MVP honors as a
sophomore.
McConnell, 5-9, is a senior at Milton High School where she plays
for coach Melanie Mosteller.
Ross, 5-3, is a senior at Ida S. Baker High School where she plays
under the direction of coach Morgan Klare. She batted .359 as a
junior and helped the Bulldogs to a 23-7 record and a spot in the
Class 5A regional quarterfinals. She has earned All-Area and
All-Conference accolades. An honor roll student, she is a member of
the National Society of High School Scholars. She also ran cross
country at Baker.
Scoggins, 5-4, is a sophomore at Spartanburg Methodist College
where she plays for coach Rick Pauly. She will have two years of
eligibility when she enrolls at FMU. As a freshman, she posted a
17-4 pitching mark with two saves, a 1.32 earned run average, and
169 strikeouts in only 149 innings. She completed 16 of her 23
starts and tossed six shutouts. At the plate, she hit .296 with 11
RBIs as the Pioneers went 31-12 and finished fifth at the NJCAA
Nationals. She ranked nationally in strikeouts per game and ERA and
earned first-team All-Region X honors.
She is a former two-time All-Region performer at Boiling Springs
High School where she played for coach Sandy Martin. She was also
selected for the 2007 North-South All-Star Game.
As a group, Vallee is excited to have these players coming to FMU
next fall. “These players want to be at Francis Marion and
they have expressed a desire to be part of the tradition we have
built here, both on the field and in the classroom.”
“Faile, an in-state product, will play either first or third
base. She has a big bat, is a good defensive player, and possesses
a strong arm. A very smart young lady, she also excels in the
classroom.
“Ferguson is a very aggressive player both behind the plate
and in the outfield. Also a good student, she will contribute very
valuable leadership skills.
“Hegar, at 5-10, has good size to play either first or catch.
She brings consistency and power to the plate and has good
leadership skills behind the plate. A native of Alaska, she is
another good student.
“McConnell will play some first base in addition to pitching,
and can hit for herself. She throws a variety of pitches and has
power and movement on the mound.
“Ross is a very versatile player who can catch, play in the
middle infield, and occupy an outfield spot. She has a strong arm,
and although only 5-3, she has good pop in her bat. She is eager to
learn and get better.
“Scoggins will pitch and play third base, and can also hit
for herself. Another Palmetto State product, she throws a variety
of pitches and brings to the plate a big bat with power. She led
SMC to the nationals as a freshman, so she has a very bright
future.”
Francis Marion ended the 2008 season ranked fifth nationally with a
39-16 record after advancing to the NCAA Division II national
tournament’s Elite Eight in Houston. The 2009 Patriots open
their season Feb. 7-8 at the Early Bird Tournament in Aiken, S.C.
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