The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

Bridge City's Marlie Strong signed a scholarship to play softball at Otero Junior College. The signing ceremony was held in the Competition Gym at Bridge City High School on Wednesday, January 11.

Strong has played on the Bridge City varsity softball team the last three years. Marlie is expected to be the starting shortstop for the Lady Cardinals in this her senior year.

As a junior Strong was second team All-District in the infield. Marlie was selected to the first team on the All Orange County Team and was the Defensive Most Valuable Player on the same select team.

Playing the key defensive position of shortstop and swinging a consistent bat Strong helped the Bridge City Lady Cardinals set a school record with 27 wins last season. The Lady Cardinals were the undefeated district champions and advanced to the third round of the University Interscholastic League state softball playoffs before being eliminated by the eventual state champion Liberty Lady Panthers two games to one in a very dramatic series.

Lady Cardinal second base and shortstop duo of Makenna Carey and Marlie Strong will return this season at Bridge City before Marlie goes to Colorado to play at Otero Junior College after her graduation

Lady Cardinal softball coach Raven Harris said Strong has been a leader for her team. "Marlie set the tone for the kids that she's leaving behind which is the only thing I could ask for as a coach. The kid can swing the bat, she plays a mean middle infield, and she's just been a great addition these last four years," Harris praised.

Otero Junior College is located in La Junta, Colorado. The Rattlers' softball team is coached by Little Cypress Mauriceville graduate Kassie James. Harris commented, "It's awesome and exciting to see how those things kind of connect. I expect Marlie to be a great addition for them. There's no way that she couldn't go up there and make a difference in that program too."

Marlie Strong and the Lady Cardinals began workouts with Coach Harris for the upcoming softball season on Friday, January 13. The season gets underway on January 28 as Bridge City will be working to win another district softball championship.