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.
Sports
November 17, 2008
Neosho’s star catcher set with PSU
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Outlaws open season Thursday on the road
Chris Oldner takes a cut during the Joplin Outlaws practice Tuesday afternoon. The Outlaws open their season on Thursday night at Rossville and play seven road games before their home opener on June 5.
The Joplin Outlaws and new coach Rob Vessell have set some lofty goals for the 2012 baseball season.
Continued ... - Stanton’s homers fuel Marlins’ surge in May
- Five sign to join Missouri Southern women's track team
- Whisner ignites Joplin Miners past Webb City
- Venus Williams joins Serena on sideline in Paris
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- Pittsburg State Sports
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- Vengels sixth in heptathlon; PSU picks up two seventh-place finishes
- Ethan Cordray signs with Pittsburg State
- Lions, Gorillas begin competition in outdoor track and field championship
- Three finalists named for PSU head baseball coach position
- Lions qualify 10, PSU 15 for Division II outdoor track meet
- Missouri Southern Sports
- High School Sports
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Area athletes turn shine at state meet
Webb City's Jarvis Jones takes sixth in the 200.
- Cleo Elbert steps down at Thomas Jefferson
- Frontenac wins first state baseball title
- Joplin's Jeremy Lynn takes fifth at state tennis
- Frontenac advances at state baseball
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