Softball Eagles add four players for 2017 campaign

MOREHEAD, Ky. -- Kylie Holton, Chelsea McManaway, Cheyenne Meyer, and Taylor Wheeler have signed to play softball at Morehead State. All will be eligible for the 2017 campaign.

Along with the incoming freshman class, the Eagles will have nine new players next season.

"These four transfers will complement the players coming back and the ones we previously had coming in," said head coach David Williams. "They all bring unique skillsets that will fit into our overall team concept. We look forward to their arrival on campus."

Holton joins the Eagles from the College of Central Florida. The Macclenny, Fla. native appeared in 54 games as a sophomore, primarily at catcher. She batted. 349 with 33 runs batted in, 33 runs scored, five doubles, and eight home runs, while striking out just nine times in 126 at-bats. She was named to the All-Mid-Florida Conference First Team. As a freshman, she hit .260 with 14 runs batted in and four home runs and was named to FCSAA and Mid-Florida Conference All-Academic teams. She was also named All-Mid-Florida Conference honorable mention. 

"Kylie has gained valuable experience playing for the second ranked JUCO program the past two seasons," said Williams. "She is very fundamental behind the plate and very well rounded at the plate. She has been able to work side-by-side with several DI pitchers, which will aide her transition. Her power and RBI potential will help strengthen our lineup."

McManaway comes to Morehead State from the University of Findlay (Ohio). The left-handed pitcher appeared in 33 games and made 16 starts as a sophomore. She went 16-8 with five saves and a 0.83 era. She recorded nine complete games, six of which were shutouts, including a no-hitter against Northwood on March 25 and a perfect game with 18 strikeouts against Saginaw Valley State on April 17. The Wellston, Ohio native led the GLIAC and set a school record with 219 strikeouts. Following the season, she was named GLIAC Pitcher of the Year and First Team All-GLIAC. She was also named Second Team All-Midwest Region by the NFCA and the DIICCA.

"Chelsea will bring an element to our pitching staff we have been lacking, being a left-handed pitcher," said Williams. "She spins the ball well and manages the game from within the circle. Her experience, having won 31 collegiate games with nearly 400 strikeouts, over the past two years, is a welcomed addition to our team."

Meyer joins the Eagles following one season at Marshall University. The pitcher/infielder made four starts for the Thundering Herd and was primarily used as a pinch hitter. She recorded her first career hit vs. Southern Illinois on Feb. 19 and had two hits on the year. The Port Republic, N.J. native attended Cedar Creek High School and helped her team to a conference championship. She recorded 204 career hits and blasted 30 home runs at Cedar Creek and was named First Team All-Conference, All-State, and All-South Jersey.

"Cheyenne will help fill roles for us on the pitching staff, in the infield and on offense," said Williams. "She throws the ball with good velocity, keeps the ball down, and will provide solid innings in the circle. She has the ability to play first and swings a powerful bat, which should be very beneficial in creating RBI opportunities."

Wheeler comes to Morehead State from Walters State (Tenn.). The infielder batted .425 with ten doubles, ten home runs, and 41 runs batted in as a sophomore after hitting .324 with four doubles, ten home runs, and 36 runs batted in as a freshman. In 302 career at-bats she struck out just 23 times. Following her sophomore season, she was named NJCAA All-Region 7. The Ashland, Ky. native attended Boyd County High School as was named First Team All-State following her senior season and All-State honorable mention as a junior.

"Taylor is a versatile player that could see herself in a variety of roles on the field," said Williams. "She had the opportunity to compete in the NJCAA World Series this past year and has a very competitive mindset. Offensively, she hit for average and power this past season. We hope she continues to bring that consistency of play with her to Morehead."

Morehead State finished the 2016 season at 26-27 and 12-12 in OVC play. Their win against Tennessee Tech in the OVC Tournament marked the program's first postseason win since 2009.

Photo captions from left to right -- Kylie Holton, Cheyenne Meyer, Chelsea McManaway, Taylor Wheeler.