Monday, November 16, 2009

Ashley Graeter signs with Golden Eagles

      POPLARVILLE — Pearl River Community College sophomore infielder-pitcher Ashley Graeter has signed with the head coach Scott Berry’s University of Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles for the 2011 season.
      Graeter, the son of Steve and Donnie Graeter, prepped at Poplarville High School where he earned All-State recognition.
      As a PRCC freshman last season, he was named to the All-MACJC first team and was head coach Jamie McMahon’s second-leading hitter with a .366 average. Over 42 games, Graeter had 49 hits, including seven doubles, two triples, and two home runs for a .562 slugging percentage. He also had 35 RBIs and boasted a .962 fielding percentage.
      On the mound, the righthander led the Pearl River staff with a 1.67 earned-run average. In hist seven appearances, he
      accumulated a 3-2 record while working 21 innings, allowing only five earned runs while striking out 20 and walking six.
      "Graeter is a hard-nosed local kid that plays short and third at The River," said Berry. "He is hitting in the three-hole for Coach McMahon, a true gap-to-gap hitter who has great hands and a very strong arm.
      "We hope he can come in here and solidify third base for us."
      McMaonh said Graeter will be a huge addition to the Golden Eagles.
      "Ashley’s a very special player and I expect him to go to Hattiesburg and take up where he left off down here," McMahon said.
      "He was one of our main cogs last season and will be this year too.
      "Coach Berry will have him a great player."
      Pearl River finished its 2009 season at 27-22.