Lander Lands Three Softball Players During Early Signing Period

GREENWOOD----First-year Lander softball coach Brandon Duncan has announced that three players – Natalie Batson of Ware Shoals, S.C., Brittney Brogdon of Dalton Ga. and 2007 Softball Showcase Player of the Year Hayley Neissner of Commerce, Ga. – signed National Letters of Intent during the NCAA’s early signing period.

Batson, an outfielder, played for Carolina Thundercats club team in Spartanburg.

"Natalie has all the tools to become an excellent softball player at Lander," said Duncan. "She is quick, has a good arm, and can hit for average and power. This past fall her club team played several college programs and she consistently performed well against those teams."

Batson serves as Ware Shoals’ student body president and has been involved in the Student Council all four years.

Brogdon, who plays both the infield and outfield, played club softball with the Georgia Lightning, the 2007 NSA Class A National Champions.

"Brittney will add speed and versatility to our team," he added. "I saw one at-bat and knew she would be a great addition to our program. She hits from the left side and is a tremendous slap hitter. She will immediately impact our team because of the way she handles the bat, her speed, and her versatility."

Leissner, a right-handed pitcher, went 25-3 last year at East Jackson High School, averaging 10 strikeouts per seven innings with a 0.64 ERA.

"Hayley is the epitome of power pitcher," said Duncan. "She throws with tremendous velocity, yet also has great movement."