JOHNSTON – Gene Easler vividly remembers the very first time his daughter Gina smashed the ball and cleared the fence in a game for a home run.

“I still have it,” he says before smiling at her. “It was on a Sunday afternoon at 2:45 (p.m.) in Charlotte at a 14-and-under tournament. She brought in two runs and won the game.”

On Monday, daddy’s little girl was back at it – putting together another big hit after signing a scholarship offer with the Coker Cobras of Hartsville, S.C., where the Wardlaw standout will likely compete immediately for playing time next season at first base.

Gina said the smaller size of the campus and the school’s location factored into her decision.

“It’s small and it feels kind of like Wardlaw,” she said. “The coaches were really nice and it’s not too close and not too far away.”

Her prep coach, Wardlaw’s Ron Conley, said he has seen a wonderful maturation process take place with his slugger over the last couple of seasons.

“She has a great knowledge of the game and those small things that make the biggest difference,” he said. “Her defense has been phenomenal and she’s made some plays for us there that have really bailed us out at some critical times. She’s been a pleasure to coach.”   

Easler, who is trying to help the Lady Patriots (10-5) win the team’s sixth straight SCISA state softball title, said she is still working hard to improve her game.

“I want to become more consistent at the plate.”