By Nicholas Huenefeld/Owens Sports Information

Toledo, Ohio---Noel Gilley, a 5-10 right handed pitcher from Ashley Ridge High School in Summerville, S.C., has signed a letter of intent to play softball for Owens Community College next year.

"Noel will bring depth to our pitching staff, and she also brings a big bat all the way from the south," said Owens Community College head softball coach Marcus Smith. "She is a versatile player and will help us at various positions."

At Ashley Ridge, Gilley has pitched and played first base for head coach Larissa Shannon and the Swamp Foxes. After seeing some varsity action her freshman year, she will partake in her third full year with the varsity squad this spring.

Gilley becomes the first member of the 2016-17 Owens softball recruiting class. We'll be posting signing stories at OwensExpress.com for every student-athlete in the class in the coming days.

The Owens softball team, which captured Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) and Region XII championships last year en route to a National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II National Tournament appearance, will open its 2016 season March 4-13 in Florida. They are scheduled to play 20 games during the trip.

Notes

For a look at the full 2016 Owens softball schedule, visit here