Baton Rouge Community College coach gives great news to players

Monday morning was signing day for four North Vermilion High athletes.
All four seniors signed to play sports for Baton Rouge Community College (BRCC), located 90 minutes from North Vermilion.
Two signed to play baseball, and the other two signed to play softball.
The two softball players had a pleasant surprise during the signing.
Lady Patriot pitcher Ashton Duhon and infielder Kennedy Kelly had planned to be preferred walk-ons to BRCC. However, that meant they would have to pay their tuition, and there was no guarantee they would make the team.
They accepted the challenge, because they just wanted to play softball.
But right before they signed, BRCC softball coach Mark Suire, an Abbeville High graduate, took photos with the two girls and then announced the great news.
Suire told the girls and their parents that they were no longer walk-ons because the school had two scholarships to award them.
Both were happy.
“I did not expect that,” said Kennedy. “I thought I would have to work extra hard to earn a spot. Instead, I am going to work for a spot on the team.”
Kelly can play shortstop, third base or second base next year.
This year, Kelly hit .495 at the plate and knocked in 33 runs with nine doubles, two triples, and 10 home runs. She had an on-base percentage of .540.
Ashton Duhon was NV’s ace pitcher this year. However, when the season began, she was not 100 percent sure she wanted to continue to play at the next level.
“That was exciting to hear what Coach Mark said. It (scholarship) will help a lot,” said Duhon.
Duhon posted an 8-7 record on the hill with a 3.74 ERA. She had 89 strikeouts in 93 innings.
Duhon was a .347 hitter at the plate, knocking in 41 RBIs and hitting 10 home runs.