DURHAM, N.C. (www.NCCUEaglePride.com) – With 176 games under her cleats, senior Ashanti Stroud prepares for her last weekend series as a member of the North Carolina Central University women’s softball team.

As the lone Eagle senior, Stroud entered the nest as NCCU began its transition into Division I and the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.

 

“Ashanti will forever be known as the rock in which this foundation stands on,” said NCCU head softball coach Michael Charlton. “This transitional journey has been difficult at times, but we have always been able to lean on each other for support and encouragement.”

  

Since her arrival in 2008, Stroud has been a major contributor to the program. During her freshman year, she recorded three doubles, one homerun and 11 RBIs as she appeared in all 47 games. In her sophomore matriculation, Stroud notched the fifth highest batting average on the team with a .246, while hitting a season-high three hits in two games. In her junior year of play, Stroud appeared and started all 42 games to record the second highest number of runs with 20, as she provided the fourth best fielding percentage at 92 percent.

 

“Ashanti has been a two-year captain and a four starter for the Lady Eagles,” said Charlton. “She has played just about anywhere we have asked her to play and has done an excellent job.”

  

This season, Stroud is second in runs with 14. With a fielding percentage of 94 percent, Stroud is also second in fielding for the mighty maroon. For the 2011 campaign, she has seized 25 hits.

 

“I really hate to see her leave, we have come a long way and I am proud of the player and young lady she has become,” said Charlton. “The dugout will never be the same ‘right foot and hold it’ became the mantra of our defense when we needed a change in play. She’s been great for the program, I wish her much success in all her future endeavors.”

 

The maroon and grey will close out the season with a three-game weekend series against Norfolk State on the home field in Thomas Brooks Park in Cary, N.C. The series begins with a doubleheader on Saturday, May 7 at 1 p.m. / 3 p.m.  and concludes with a single game on Sunday, May 8 at 12 p.m.

 

For complete results or updated information visit the official NCCU athletics web site at www.NCCUEaglePride.com.