November 15, 2011

Pacer Softball Signs Three

AIKEN, S.C. – University of South Carolina Aiken head softball coach Jerry Snyder announced the signing of three prep student-athletes to a National-Letter-of-Intent on Tuesday, Nov. 15.

The three incoming Pacers for the 2013 season are Andrea Daring, Sarah Montei and Taylor Morgan.

“We are very excited about this recruiting class,” remarked Snyder. “We were able to bring in student-athletes that are strong in both the classroom and on the field. They will all be expected to contribute right away and we feel they all have the talent to help us get to the next level.”

Daring will join the USC Aiken softball program out of Thomas Heyward Academy in Ridgeland, S.C.

Daring was a 2011 South Carolina Independent Schools Association All-State selection. She hit .440 last year with four home runs to help lead Thomas Heyward to the 2011 SCISA State Championship.

“Andrea comes from a strong travel ball program and expects to be successful every time she steps on the field,” noted Snyder. “She has a very strong bat and is a hard worker. We expect big things from her.”

Montei joins the Pacer softball program out of Summerville High School in Summerville, S.C. She was the Region 8-AAAA Player of the Year in 2011. A two-time All-State selection, Montei was named to the 2011 All-Lowcountry team. She owned a .509 on-base percentage and a .444 batting average in 2011.

Montei’s father, Mike, played baseball at The Citadel and is a member of the Athletic Hall of Fame.

“Sarah is an exceptional athlete that can play infield and outfield at an extremely high level,” mused Snyder. “In addition to her outstanding defensive abilities, she has a very strong bat.”

Morgan joins the USC Aiken softball program out of Chapin High School in Chapin, S.C.

A two-time All-State choice, Morgan was named to the 2011 The State All-Area Team. The pitcher finished the 2011 season with an 18-5 record. She owned an ERA of 1.02. Morgan fanned 214 last season.

“Taylor is hands down one of the best pitchers in the state,” said Snyder. “She will be expected to come in and help out in the circle right away.”

The 2011 USC Aiken Softball team concluded its season by earning a trip to its second NCAA Division II Southeast Regional in the last three seasons.

The Pacers finished their campaign in 2011 with a record of 26-18. Playing in one of the toughest conferences in all of NCAA Division II Softball in the Peach Belt Conference the Pacers were 9-11.

The Pacers will open their 2012 season on the road against Catawba on Saturday, Feb. 18. The first game of the doubleheader is scheduled to get underway at 1 p.m.

USC Aiken will begin its 2012 home campaign with three consecutive doubleheaders. The first Pacer home twinbill of the year will feature USC Aiken squaring off against Queens on Sunday, Feb. 19.