Rutledge inks with Lady Lions

By By Will Bardwell / staff writer
June 18, 2004
Kirby Rutledge has earned herself two more years.
The former West Lauderdale outfielder, who did not become a starter until her junior season with the Lady Knights, signed a national letter of intent on Thursday to play softball at East Mississippi Community College. She is EMCC's eighth signee.
Rutledge batted .400, drove in 35 runs and scored 50 as the Lady Knights's leadoff hitter in her senior season.
East Mississippi coach Pam Moore, whose young team went 14-22 in 2004, said adding Rutledge to her roster will immediately shore up the program's morale.
Moore said she hasn't decided if Rutledge will be the Lady Lions' leadoff hitter, but that her speed will be put to use quickly.
Moore said the first thing she will work on with Rutledge is the former Lady Knights' hitting, and Rutledge said she's ready to make the step up to collegiate fast-pitch softball.