By Anvil Welch

awelch@joplinglobe.com

NEOSHO, Mo. — Kreslee Ketcham, an all-state softball catcher at Neosho High School, was attracted to Pittsburg State University for several reasons.

But education probably was the No. 1 factor, Ketcham said, after signing a letter of intent on Monday to play for the Gorillas of the MIAA.

“Education finally made my decision,” Ketcham said. “I love the campus. I like the coaches. They have a solid softball program. I like the community. And, I want to become a dental hygienist.”

Ketcham said that Central Missouri (also of the MIAA) was runner-up in the recruiting sweepstakes.

Ketcham is very familiar with PSU and the softball program. Older sister Gregan played softball for the Gorillas. Ashley Loncarich, another Neosho graduate and former PSU player, has been named assistant for Brad Horky. Plus, Ashley’s sister, Kelsey, a Ketcham classmate, plans to join the Gorillas.

PSU finished 22-22 overall and 4-12 in 2007 under Horky.

The right-handed batting Ketcham, all-Central Ozark Conference catcher, averaged .494 as a senior at Neosho for Grant Young (after playing for Beth Alms for three seasons). She scored 30 runs, drove in 35 and had a whopping 62.8 on-base percentage. She slammed 7 doubles, 5 triples and 6 home runs.

Her offensive exploits as a junior included three homers in a game.

Ketcham, a Neosho captain this season with Jade Benhardt, occupied the third slot in the batting order for a team that finished 18-10 overall and 3-4 in the COC.