Smith signs with McLennan Community College 

Lady Eagles open season against Garrison Tuesday

BY LELAND ACKER

Sierra Smith, second baseman for the Rusk Lady Eagles, signs a scholarship offer from McLennan College. Pictured are (from left): Donna Smith, grandmother; Lisa Smith, mother; Rusk Head Coach Ashley McElroy, Sierra Smith, McLennan Head Coach Manuel Ordones and Kirby Smith, father.

Rusk Lady Eagles softball second baseman Sierra Smith signed college scholarship papers with McLennan Community College of Waco Monday at the Rusk High School library. Smith, a senior at Rusk High School, has played four years of varsity softball.

During her career at Rusk, Smith became known for her hitting, as she was the clean-up hitter in the Lady Eagles' lineup last year. She also pitched her freshman and sophomore years before missing much of her junior year due to knee surgery. 

Upon returning to the lineup her junior year, she was moved to second base. The Lady Eagles made the playoffs during Smith's sophomore and junior years, advancing to the regional quarterfinals last year.

Smith made first team all district pitcher her freshman and sophomore years, and first team all district second baseman her junior year.

The Lady Eagles, who return all but one player from last year's regional quarterfinalist team, open the season Tuesday evening against the Garrison Lady Bulldogs. The junior varsity will play at 5 p.m., while the varsity will take the field at 6:30 p.m.

The Rusk Lady Eagles are coached by first year coach Ashley McElroy.