One of the best softball pitchers in the area will continue to be one of the best softball pitchers in the area when she joins the collegiate ranks next fall.

Buckingham County High School senior Libby Morris signed a National Letter of Intent to play softball at Longwood University earlier this month in a low-key signing ceremony in the BCHS library.

“I really liked the closeness of the team,” said Morris. “The coaches, staff and players there were a big draw. I also wanted to play at the Division I level.”

Morris selected Longwood over Division II programs Wingate in North Carolina, Seton Hill in Pennsylvania and in-state D-III school, Virginia Wesleyan.

During her junior campaign, Morris led the Lady Knights to a 12-4 record. As a sophomore, Morris helped the Lady Knights capture both the James River District regular-season and tournament titles, the runner-up spot in the Region B Tournament, and an appearance in the VHSL Group A State Quarterfinal.

Individually, she has struck out a combined 411 batters in her sophomore and junior seasons.

As a sophomore, she gave up 51 runs (40 earned), and walked 39 batters, while posting a 2.0 earned run average.

As a junior, her pitching numbers dropped considerably. She struck out 211 batters, gave up only nine runs, 15 walks, and posted an almost nonexistent ERA of .233. Opponents batting batted only .095 over 108 innings.

At the plate, she posted a batting average of .420, scored nine runs, had 13 RBI and boasted an on base average of .465.

Morris could've signed her LOI later in the year, but she decided to officially commit in the early signing period.

“I wanted to get this done as soon as I could,” said Morris, who was an All-Region B First-Team selection at pitcher. “Now, I can just play ball and I won't have to worry about it.”

Buckingham's string of five-consecutive district championships and playoff appearances was snapped last May, so Morris does have some unfinished business, before she graduates in June.

“I want us to win the district championship again, and then go from there to the regional and state tournaments. Having this individual decision out of my way, will help us accomplish our team goal.”