UNC Pembroke Softball Signs Harrell and Marsh to NLIs

PEMBROKE, N.C. – UNCP head softball coach Steve Johnson announced the signing of Ashley Harrell and Brittany Marsh to national letters of intent as both declared their intentions to continue their playing careers in Pembroke.

“We are extremely pleased with the addition of Ashley and Brittany to our program,” said Johnson. “Both have played at a high level in high school and bring a lot of experience from travel ball. They are both very versatile players who will be able to compete for playing time right away.”

Harrell (Morganton, N.C./Freedom HS), a 5-5 infielder, hit for a .434 batting average this past season with a .525 on base percentage. She also recorded a .486 slugging percentage while also earning a .991 fielding average. For her efforts on the season she was named the All-District Co-Player of the Year, while also being named All-Conference, All-State and team Most Valuable Player.

“Ashley is another in a string of athletic short stops we have that are talented enough to play multiple positions,” said Johnson. “Ashley can play shortstop, 2nd base or in the outfield. She has good speed for any of those positions and on the basepaths.”

During her sophomore year Harrell hit for a .407 average with a .519 slugging percentage. She garnered a .488 on base percentage while driving in 20 runs. She earned All-Conference accolades on the season while also earning the Best Defensive Player Award. Over the past two seasons Freedom HS has amassed a record of 40-13 with Harrell in the lineup.

“Offensively, Ashley has the ability to hit for power from the right side or use her speed from the left side as a slapper,” added Johnson. “With her hard nosed determination, I anticipate Ashley competing right away for playing time at any of the 3 spots.”

Marsh (Asheboro, N.C./Southwestern Randolph HS), a 5-6 pitcher and infielder, has amassed a 32-1 career record over three seasons with the Cougars. She’s earned All-Area accolades three times while also being named the 2006 Area Player of the Year. She’s won the Coaches Award twice and was named All State in 2006.

“Brittany is a great addition to our pitching staff, she compliments our other pitchers really well and will give us the ability to throw different looks at teams from game to game,” said Johnson. “In addition, she is a very versatile pitcher who has played a lot of 2nd base this past summer for her travel ball team.”

This past season Southwest Randolph won the 3A State Championship as Marsh finished the season with an 11-0 record and an earned run average of 0.24. She threw a perfect game in the fourth round of the state playoffs and a one-hitter against D.H. Conley in the semifinals. In 2006 the Cougars finished third in the state with Marsh recording another 11-0 season. She also hit for a .416 average with 38 RBI, 36 runs scored and 16 doubles.

For her career she has a 0.60 ERA while averaging 1.79 strikeouts per inning. She plays her travel ball for the Carolina Cardinals and coach Rick McHone.

“Brittany is also strong at the plate and can help herself when she's in the circle,” added Johnson. “She is a hard worker who will be expected to step up right away and help our pitching staff.”