East Carolina Signs Four During Early Period
November 25, 2003 | Softball
"We are so excited to have these four student-athletes join our Pirate program," said Kee. "Their athleticism and work ethic will be immediate assets to our squad. They have a keen understanding of what we expect and where we are heading and I have no doubt they will bean impact class."
Baggett, an infielder from D.H. Conley High School here in Greenville, is a three-time All-Big East Conference player and earned honorable mention all-state honors as a junior. She led the conference in hitting as a freshman with a .474 batting average. Baggett has earned first team all- area accolades each of the past three and was a Wendy's High School Heisman nominee.
"Paige has established herself as one of the premier players in our state," Kee said. Her infield versatility and her ability to drive the ball to all fields will be a huge asset to our program. She is a true student of the game and her ability to lead on the field will be exposed from day one."
Houp, a catcher from Chester, Va., batted .435 as a junior and had an on-base percentage of .519. As a junior at L.C. Bird High School, Houp tossed out 83.3 percent of would-be base stealers.
"Amber is a catcher with a big time arm," Kee exclaimed. "She will bring us some immediate depth at the catching position. Her ability to drive in runs will pay dividends in our offensive production."
Nolan, a first baseman/outfielder from Plant City, Fla., earned all- state honorable mention honors after batting .469 as a junior at Durant High School. She also earned first team all-conference and all-county awards. She earned two varsity letters at Villa Park (Calif.) High School before moving to Florida. Nolan also lettered on the basketball team at Durant and helped the team advance to the Final 8 of the state playoffs.
"Beth is the true epitome of an athlete," stated Kee. "Her strength, size, and quickness mixed with a fearless determination is a coach's dream. She is a proven hitter, with the ability to play infield or outfield."
St. Ledger, a utility player from Hoggard High School in Wilmington, N.C., is a two-time all-conference player and recipient of the 2003 Silver Bat Award as the conference's top hitter. She hit .333 as a junior and had an on-base percentage of .435.
"Erin is one of those kids you want on your team," said Kee. "She is a headsy infielder with wonderful range and brings the ability to do many things from the left side of the plate with her quick hands."
The Pirates open the 2004 season at the Triangle Classic in Raleigh on February 13 against Liberty and Virginia.
