UNC Pembroke Adds Pair for 2010 Softball Team

PEMBROKE – UNCP head softball coach Lacinda Melanson has announced the additions of Holly Berry and Kara Tucker to the Braves’ 2009 recruiting class as the two prep standouts declared their intentions to continue their playing careers with the Black & Gold.

“We are excited to have both Holly and Kara coming into our program this fall,” said Melanson. “They both will add good depth to our squad and we feel confident they will be consistent for us both on field and in the classroom. They fit in well with the direction we want to take this team and the goals we have for them in the future.”

Berry, a native of Seagrove, N.C., played for coach Steve Taylor at Southwestern Randolph HS. During her junior campaign she was named conference MVP while also earning all-conference honors. She was named all-state and first team all-district in leading SRHS to a conference championship and a second place finish in the state.

The Cougars went 31-4 her junior season, as Berry earned the coach’s award for SRHS. During her sophomore season SRHS won the 3A North Carolina State Championship after finishing third in the state her freshman year. She’s lettered in softball three times at SRHS.

The daughter of Bobby and Marion Berry, Holly has one brother, Matt. Berry plans on majoring in nursing upon her arrival to Pembroke.

Tucker, a native of Kinston, N.C., played for coach Lisa Smith at South Lenoir HS. In her junior year Tucker was named first team all-conference, first team all-district, first team all-area and first team all-region. She also earned second team all-state in helping lead the Blue Devils to a conference championship and a regional championship

The Blue Devils finished second in the state during her junior year as she batted .381 on the year. Tucker had an on base percentage of .680 with nine doubles, three triples and two home runs while driving in 27 runs.

She is the daughter of Colt and Betsy Harrell, Kara has to sisters, Khymi and Bailey Harrell, and two brothers, Josh and Ryan Tucker. Her mother played softball at UNC Greensboro and her sister Bailey plays softball for Mount Olive. She plans on majoring in athletic training upon her arrival to school.

“We feel like Holly should be able to provide a good consistent bat and has the potential to be dangerous while Kara should bring some more power into our line-up,” added Melanson. “Both girls will play a few positions in the fall in order for us to find the best fit going into the spring.”