By ALEX ABATE ~ DAR Sports Writer

Poplar Bluff standout Stefanie Ferguson has been a good leadoff hitter for the Lady Mules over the past four seasons and now she is ready to step into a new batter's box.

Ferguson signed her letter of intent Tuesday to play softball at Three Rivers Community College next season.

Ferguson had 38 hits this fall the most on the Lady Mules her senior season. She also was the team leader in steals with 29, breaking her own single-season school records.

"I am a slap hitter and I bat left-handed and I think that is going to help them out a whole lot as a leadoff hitter," Ferguson said.

The Lady Raiders have some speed on this year's squad with Kaci Menz and Wendy Eftink, both freshman. The addition of Ferguson will give the Lady Raiders three speedsters to place at different parts of the lineup.

"She is probably one of the best that has ever come through here, so we are excited " Three Rivers coach Jack Childress said. "Her first step out of the box is quick. Her contact with the bunting part of it is great and I am sure the slapping part of it is too."

Ferguson had 118 hits over the course of her career and totaled 83 stolen bases. Over her time in Poplar Bluff, she developed a winning attitude.

"Anytime you come from Poplar Bluff, you are expected to win," Childress said. "That (mental attitude) is going to blend right in with some people we have out there right now who are expecting to win. There is no pressure for someone who has been going through that because they know how to do it."

Ferguson had a batting average of .418 last season but

many of her singles came from bunts and slaps where she used her speed. She wants to improve on her full swing before stepping in the box for the Lady Raiders.

"I have always bunted and slapped ever since I was a freshman," Ferguson said. "I am working on swinging. I have worked on it ever since last summer and it is getting better."

Ferguson was the leadoff batter for the Lady Mules over the past three seasons and has been a good leader over the course of her senior year.

"She puts a lot of pressure on herself and is very competitive " Poplar Bluff softball coach Lisa Nippe said. "She likes to win and she tries to draw that out of the other girls."

The transition to the more difficult and often faster college game is not something that scares Ferguson.

"I think I am pretty sure I'll be able to handle it," Ferguson said. "I work out on own a lot and am going to my play this summer with a lot of good teams and good competition. Hopefully, I will be ready."

Ferguson, who also played basketball at Poplar Bluff expressed interest in walking on to the basketball team at Three Rivers.

"I just think I have a good chance," Ferguson said. "I work hard and have good hustle. I never quit."