Meridian Community College picked up four area fast-pitch softball standouts Thursday, as all four signed national letters-of-intent to continue their careers at MCC.

Signing in a ceremony at MCC’s Ivy Sports Center were Meridian High School’s Ebonee Ball and Tiffany Hickman, Quitman’s Gabby Morgan and Philadelphia’s Shanese Hunter.

Ball played just about every position at MHS during her career and even pitched for the Lady Wildcats — but will most likely be an outfielder at MCC.

“Ebonee Ball will bring to us the element of speed,” MCC head coach Robert Eakins said. “Although she can play both outfield and infield, we want her to concentrate on the outfield.

“This should help her be more relaxed and learn the game offensively. Just like the other ladies signing today, she brings the desire to be great. I am greatly impressed with her work ethic. She already set some goals for herself that fits in with our team goals. She is going to be a jewel to coach. She want to be the best.”

Hickman is a raw talent who will likely play third base for the Lady Eagles after playing for coach Susan Frazier at MHS.

“Tiffany Hickman brings the ability to play two positions in different areas. She brings to us great defensive skills,” Eakins said. “She has a great attitude. We were greatly impressed with her work ethics and the desire to excel. When she polishes her offensive game, look for her to be a player in this league.

“She is already asking for ways to do things on her own so she can be ahead of the game when she starts. Playing under coach Frazier will make her a fit for our program.”

Hunter and the Lady Tornadoes did not make a return trip to the playoffs in 2006, but the pitcher/infielder had a stellar career at Philadelphia while playing for Lee Killen and Mike Luke.

“We look for Shanese Hunter to step in immediately to help on the mound,” Eakins said. “We have watched her for the past two seasons and she brings that desire to want to improve daily. I think we are blessed that we were able to find a player to go in our battery with such good qualities.”

Morgan, meanwhile, was an outfielder/pitcher during her senior year at Quitman under first-year coach Kacie Luebbers.

“She is just beginning to grow into this game,” Eakins said of Morgan. “She is very athletic which will be a major plus for us. She had the luxury of playing under coach Kacie Luebbers this year and she really brought out a lot in her. When we observed her she showed great fundamentals and versatility.

“She has an added advantage that she can develop into a quality arm for us on the mound. Look for her to leave her mark here before she is finished.”