Savannah Bridges called it a dream come true. The Wright City senior infielder signed her letter of intent Feb. 24 to play softball at Central Methodist University next season. A three-sport athlete …
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Savannah Bridges called it a dream come true.
The Wright City senior infielder signed her letter of intent Feb. 24 to play softball at Central Methodist University next season.
A three-sport athlete at Wright City, Bridges expects to play on the left side of the infield in college.
“Wherever they put me, I’ll be happy to play,” she said. “But it will probably be shortstop or third.”
A natural third-baseman, Bridges made the move to shortstop when the Wildcats needed her glove up the middle last season.
She helped lead Wright City to a 14-10 record and a spot in the district semifinals.
She led the Wildcats with a .531 batting average and 43 hits and finished the season with 24 RBIs.
When it came time to decide on a college, Bridges’ decision was easy.
“I’ve always wanted to play for their softball team,” she said. “It was my dream when I was little, and being Methodist definitely made my decision easier.”
Central Methodist, an NAIA program in Fayette, Mo., is 6-4 this season and competes in the Heart of America Athletic Conference.
“It’s a perfect small town,” Bridges said. “It’s just the right size and reminds me a lot of Wright City.”
Known for her defense, she impressed coaches early in her high school career.
“She really practiced her butt off and became a really good shortstop when we needed her there,” Wright City Head Coach Fred Ross said.
Ross called Bridges another assistant coach last season.
“And that is where she excelled,” he said. “She really studied the game, and her leadership helped both the younger players and myself. I was able to have her take a small group of players off to the side and run a drill while I helped another group.”
Bridges said the week of her signing was a roller coaster.
She played her final high school basketball game Monday and signed with Central Methodist Wednesday.
Five days later, she began her final high school track season.
“It’s been very emotional with ending my basketball career this week but now signing to play softball in college,” she said. “But I’ve enjoyed every second of it.”
Bridges said she wants to work on her offense between now and next season.
Her former coach isn’t concerned.
“She won’t have a problem with the next level,” Ross said. “With her hard work and talent, I think she will do great in college.”
SIGNING DAY — Wright City's Savannah Bridges signs her letter of intent to play softball at Central Methodist University. Front row, from left, Bridges and Central Methodist University Head Coach Gene Reardon. Back row, from left, summer coach Keith Williams, mother, Penny Ferguson, father, James Bridges and Wright City Head Coach Fred Ross. Kory Carpenter photo.
