SOUTHEAST SOFTBALL TO UTILIZE JACKSON'S LILEY NEXT SEASON

Fans of Southeast Missouri State athletics know the name Liley very well.

Starting next year, they'll get a chance to become a little more familiar with it.

Alisha Liley, sister of former record-setting Southeast quarterback Jason Liley, last week signed a letter of intent to play softball for the Otahkians.

Liley, a four-year letter winner and three-year "Outstanding Player" for the Jackson Lady Indians, had offers from other smaller colleges but always wanted to go to Southeast.

"It's near home and my brother went there," Liley said, mentioning a few of the reasons why she chose Southeast. "I've been following the softball program for a while and I like the coach."

And Southeast softball coach Lana Richmond likes Liley.

"Alisha had to pitch in high school but I'm looking to use her behind the plate and also in the field as a utility player," Richmond said. "When you can get someone who's quick and can play a lot of positions like Alisha, then I think she's really going to help the club out."

Liley has done it all for Jackson in her four years. Last season, Liley was named All-District, All-Conference and All-State while leading the team with a .470 batting average and 16 RBIs. She was also the main pitcher, recording 11 wins with a 1.25 ERA.

"Alisha's got a good arm and she's quick," Richmond said. "We'll have to work on her bat for the collegiate game, but I look for her to really come in and add depth defensively to us."

The Otahkians will only be losing two players to graduation this season and will likely return seven juniors from this season's Ohio Valley Conference-leading team. But Richmond said signing Liley was a priority this recruiting season.

"Our goal was to bring in a freshman and hopefully she can help us out behind the plate," said Richmond. "But I think Alisha can do more than that."

With a lot of veterans returning to the Otahkians next year, Liley realizes her versatility will likely be her strength when fall practices begin.

"She (Richmond) signed me primarily as a utility player so I guess I'll have to go into practice and see where I stand," Liley said. "I'll probably catch, play second and maybe the outfield."

And after her four years of eligibility are up, maybe another Liley name will be entered into the Southeast record books.

"I hope to have a career as good as Jason's," Liley said with a smile. "His career at Southeast definitely had an impact on my decision to come here."

Liley's new coach has no doubts about her recruit's chances for success at Southeast.

Said Richmond with a grin, "She'll have a better career than Jason."