Franklin Regional junior Ceana “CC” Copeland committed to play Division II college softball at IUP of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference.
Copeland is a third baseman and utility player for the Panthers. She also had an offer from Seton Hill.
“I picked IUP because it really felt like home, and I loved the softball program,” Copeland said. “When I went on my visit, I could tell Coach B truly cares about her players and wants to see them grow not just in softball but as people, too.”
Last spring, she hit .295 with 27 runs and 18 RBIs. She also had 15 stolen bases.
“She is a rock at third base,” Panthers’ first-year coach Maddie Uschock said.
Copeland had 29 putouts as a sophomore and turned three double plays with the help of standout shortstop Toryn Fulton, who is now a starting right fielder at South Florida.
“My main position is third but I am more than willing to play wherever my coaches think what’s best for the team,” she said.
Franklin Regional finished 13-7 after falling to Fox Chapel in the first round of the WPIAL 5A playoffs. The Panthers averaged 8.4 runs per game, including 12 or more six times.
In other Franklin Regional recruiting news, senior Austin McClure will continue his football career at Division III Grove City, senior Luca Bertucci will play golf at Carlow, and senior James Templeton is headed to Gannon to play baseball.