OFFSEASON 2005

Blossoms Softball Inks Allison To Letter Of Intent

November 18, 2005

MONTICELLO, AR --- Jennifer Allison has signed a national letter of intent to play softball at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, head coach Alvy Early announced today.

Allison, a catcher from McKinney, Texas, earned All-District second team honors the past two seasons, earning her high school’s Big Stick award after hitting .375 as a sophomore and .408 as a junior. Allison also was effective in the field, earning Golden Glove honors as a junior.

She was the recipient of the Student Athlete 4.0 GPA award as a freshman, sophomore, and junior.

“She is an aggressive, hard-working, ‘down in the dirt’ type player,” said Early. “She’s got good power and should be able to help us right away. The catcher position is one we knew we needed to fill and she takes care of an immediate need.”

Eight Cotton Blossoms Named NFCA Scholar Athletes

November 14, 2005

STARKVILLE, MS -- Eight University of Arkansas at Monticello Cotton Blossoms softball players have been named Academic Scholar-Athletes by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association for the 2004-05 academic year. All student-athletes earning a 3.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale are honored by the NFCA for their academic achievement.

Sophomore Lauren Brooks of West Monroe, La. and junior Sarah Reed of McKinney, Texas both posted perfect 4.0 grade point averages for the academic year. Also joining Brooks and Reed as honorees are junior Rachael Blakley of Bryant, senior Ashley Burkett of West Monroe, La., senior Jenny Guillory of Ville Platte, La., sophomore Meredith Heckel of Hot Springs, sophomore Lindsay Rymes of Regina, Sasketchewan, and senior Jodie Scott of Benton.

UAM’s 3.334 team grade point average ranked 16th in all of NCAA Division II, and first in the Gulf South Conference.

“Academic success has always been as much of a priority as athletic success in our program,” said Cotton Blossoms head coach Alvy Early. “I know how hard our team worked in both areas over the last year and I’m pleased to see our players rewarded for their efforts.”