(No. 22)Three Chattanooga Christian juniors recently made decisions on where to continue their softball careers.
Madison Hollis committed to NCAA Division III member Berry College near Rome, Ga. Rachel Kay and Mary Vandergriff pledged to NCAA Division II Carson-Newman University in Jefferson City, Tenn.
Hollis was the pitching ace last spring as the Lady Chargers went from not having a softball team in 2014 or 2015 to being 18-8 and District 7-AA champions. She had a 13-5 pitching record with an earned run average of less than 3.00. She totaled 101 strikeouts in 109 innings pitched while walking 12. She also batted close to .380 and led the team with four homers and 35 RBIs.
"I think that honestly there's not a better fit for Berry and for her, considering what she wants to major in," CCS coach Lisa Gray said. "She's a very high academic student who's wanting to get into the medical field."
Berry finished 40-4 last season and was tied for 20th in the final NFCA national rankings.
"Hopefully she can help keep them at that level," Gray said.
Carson-Newman was 43-13 last season, losing in the NCAA tournament to fourth-ranked Armstrong State.
Kay is a first baseman who led CCS with a .450 batting average and had nine extra-base hits. She was second on the team in both RBIs (26) and runs scored (29).
"I think she went for a visit and immediately fell in love with it," Gray said of Carson-Newman, where she starred as a player. "I'm from there, so I'm excited about it. I think she's a great fit there as well. They're a powerhouse in Division II. She's going to have to work really hard, but I think she can improve enough to play there through working."
Vandergriff, who along with Kay had eighth-grade sisters in the starting lineup for the Lady Chargers last season, is a transfer from Sale Creek. She had to sit out her sophomore year at CCS, but as a freshman for the Lady Panthers she had a batting average near .400 and was among the team leaders in runs scored and stolen bases.
"She practiced with us every day," Gray said. ""She was a big part of our dugout all year. She's just a phenomenal athlete - very versatile. I think she's a great pickup for Carson-Newman. She can play a variety of positions. After having to sit a year and just watch and work on her game, she should have a breakout year this year, hopefully.
"I think all three chose very wisely for themselves, academically and athletically."
Contact Kelley Smiddie at ksmiddie@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6653. Follow him on Twitter @KelleySmiddie.