HICKORY, N.C. — The Catawba Valley Community College softball program is sending its third student athlete on to the next level this season after pitcher Reagan Garrett signed with Lees-McRae College.

"Signing with Lees-McRae is an amazing opportunity that I am extremely grateful for," Garrett said. "I cannot wait for what is in store for me these next two years."

A Lyman, S.C. native, Garrett led the Red Hawks pitching staff this season. She tossed a team-high 110.1 innings with a 7-7 record, including nine complete games. She struck out a team-best 58 batters and recorded a 3.93 ERA.

"Playing at CVCC has been an honor, and I wouldn't have wanted it any other way," she said. "As a mid-year, it is always difficult and hard to fit in and or find friends. However, I knew with the coaching staff at CVCC I wouldn't ever have to worry about anything like that. This was truly a blessing, and I am extremely grateful to have built back my confidence and my game in such little time."

At the plate, Garrett also recorded a .315 batting average with 35 hits, including a team-high 10 doubles. She also drove in 21 RBI.

For her play on the field, Garrett was named a first team All-Region selection as a pitcher, joining teammates Gionna Merhtens and Samantha Gregory. It was the first time in program history that three Red Hawk softball players had been named first team All-Region.

"Coming to CVCC, I didn't really know what to expect and or how I would perform considering how low my confidence was at the time," Garrett said. "After struggling for the first few weeks of games, I finally found my drive and confidence again, and I started playing a lot better. I feel like that helped everyone around me be more comfortable and confident in me as well as the newcomer. I am so thankful for everything CVCC has done for me this past semester."

Red Hawk head softball coach Mickey Bolick has thoroughly enjoyed coaching Garrett this season.

"I wished she would have been here two years instead of one," Bolick said. "She really came on strong this year and anchored our pitching staff this season. I'm looking forward to her doing great things at Lees-McRae."

Garret becomes the sixth all-time four-year signee for the Red Hawks softball program, joining teammates Courtney Dean (Spartanburg Methodist) and Merhtens (Norfolk State) as well as Kameron Bolick (Erskine College), Grace Andrews (Carolina University) and Jillian Jones (UVA-Wise).