SOUTH POINT – Berea head softball coach Scott Buchanan and South Point Lady Pointers senior pitcher Tara Layne have something in common: The way they feel.

Tuesday, June 05, 2001

SOUTH POINT – Berea head softball coach Scott Buchanan and South Point Lady Pointers senior pitcher Tara Layne have something in common: The way they feel.

Both are feeling really good after Layne signed a letter-of-intent to play at Berea (Ky.) College this fall.

"I’m excited. I can’t wait," Layne said.

Buchanan had the same kind of sentiments.

"We’re real excited about getting somebody with her talent," Buchanan said. "She’s one of the top pitchers in the area and we’re fortunate to get her. And she’s a quality individual and has a good Christian background. She’s the type of person we want at Berea College."

Layne holds the school career strikeout record with 588 over a three-year period, and she set the single-season strikeout record this year with 252. Her 25-4 record this season was a new school record for wins in a single season.

Her earned run average this season was 0.61 and for her career she has a microscopic .497 ERA.

"Tara has worked very hard for our team. She has a very calming effect on the team and leads by example. She’s just an outstanding person," Lady Pointers coach Jan Keatley said.

Layne is a two-time All-Ohio Valley Conference first team selection, two-time all-district, and twice has been name All-Ohio including a first team selection this year.

Layne has deflected offers from several other schools. She preferred to attend a smaller school with a religious background.

"I might have a chance to work through the campus ministries which I like. I’ll miss my home church because I’m active there," Layne said. "I like the Christian background and the small campus."

Buchanan believes he got a steal from bigger programs when he was able to land Layne.

"I’ve seen some game film and from the coaches I’ve talked with, I think I’ve got a good one," Buchanan said.

Berea was 20-12 this season, finished second in the Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, and ranked as high as third in its region and advanced to the regionals. Buchanan thinks Layne will help put the team over the top.

"We’ve got two good pitchers now with Tara coming in and that should make us stronger," Buchanan said.

Layne is hopeful she will get a chance to play her first season.

"I’ve seen the others and talked to the coach. I feel I have a good chance to get some playing time this season," Layne said.