Nov. 14, 2005
ORLANDO - The UCF softball team signed Marquita Council of Orlando and Morgan Bullard of Columbia, S.C. to National Letters of Intent, head coach Renee Luers-Gillispie announced on Monday.
Council, an outfielder, graduated from Cypress High in 2004. Upon graduation, Council enrolled at Santa Fe Community College in Gainesville, Fla. where she played softball under head coach Chris Ahern during the 2005 season. Council played in 43 games last season for the Saints, while she maintained a .394 batting average and a .971 fielding average. She led the team in on-base percentage (.475) and stolen bases (30), was third in batting average (.394) and fourth in runs (33) and hits (54). Council was named Mid-Florida Conference honorable mention last year. During the summer, she played for Gerry Chambliss' Lady Hawks out of Orlando.
"Marquita will be a force on the bases and in the outfield for us next year," said Luers-Gillispie. "We are fortunate to have such a quality student-athlete join our program from Chris Ahern's program."
Bullard, also an outfielder, will graduate from Spring Valley High in Columbia, S.C. in May 2006. In 2005, Bullard was named the team's most improved player, while also receiving all-region and all-area honors. She played in 34 games with 41 hits, nine RBI and six walks for a .414 batting average. In addition to playing softball, Bullard also lettered in basketball and volleyball at Spring Valley. Bullard was a member of Allen Hancock's 18U Carolina Dynamites over the summer.
"Morgan brings to UCF a maturity and work ethic far beyond her years," said Luers-Gillispie. "As the only incoming freshman, we look for Morgan to solidify our outfield for the next four years."
The 2006 Golden Knights take to the field Feb. 10 at the Triple Crown Tournament in St. Augustine, Fla.