SOFTBALL: Raiders’ Pickrel signs with USC Aiken

PAMPLICO — Hannah-Pamplico’s Kristian Pickrel will continue her softball career on the collegiate level.

The Raiders’ third baseman signed a letter of intent Wednesday to play softball at USC Aiken.

“I really liked the campus and I liked the coach,” said Pickrel who visited the school last Tuesday. “It was really nice.”

Pickrel, the class valedictorian, said she received academic offers from other schools but USC Aiken was the only one to offer for softball.

Pickrel, a four-year starter, hit .333 with 13 RBI for Hannah-Pamplico, which advanced to the district championship before losing to Lake View. She also had an .864 fielding percentage and was the team’s MVP.

“She has great fundamentals and is a consistent hitter,” H-P coach Juli Cornwell said. “And defensively, you can’t get a much better glove at third base.”

Pickrel will go to a USC Aiken program which is coming off one of the best seasons in school history. The Pacers went 34-16 and advanced to the NCAA tegionals before losing to Georgia College and State.

“I know the pitching I will be going up against is going to be extremely good,” Pickrel said. “I just have try my best and get better at practice each day.”