POPLARVILLE, Miss. — The 2021 season had plenty of positives for the Pearl River softball team. Another bright spot occurred Wednesday as Sydney Runnels (Seminary; South Jones) signed to continue her softball career at Belhaven.

"As soon as I stepped on campus, I knew that I could go in and have a lot of fun," Runnels said. "That's something that was important to me because I like to have a lot of fun when I play. I loved the coaches, the location, and where everything was at. I felt that it was the best fit for me."

Pearl River head coach Christie Meeks feels that Runnels will have a lasting impact on her program.

"Syd is such a special kid," she said. "It's so great to see these girls get to continue their education and careers at the next level. I love her like she's my child and I'm so proud of her. Sydney has worked so hard to be exactly where she needs to be. She's a great leader and she's leaving a great legacy."

The memories made at PRCC will always be important to Runnels.

"Pearl River will always be home," she said. "I made the best memories playing, in the locker room, in the dorms, and with the coaches. All of the team gatherings were something I'll never forget. Everyone was like family to me. I loved everyone and I'm very thankful that I got to be here."

Despite playing in a shortened 2020 season, Runnels was productive at the plate, holding a .318 batting average with 21 hits, 10 RBIs and four homers. 

Runnels had a breakout year as a sophomore as the second baseman held a .357 batting average which ranked fourth on the team. She finished third on the team in home runs and RBIs with five and 21, respectively.

Runnels is yet another Wildcat to take her talents to Belhaven, joining past players Jordan Adams (2011), Hannah Holloway (2015), Sarah Depperschmidt (2018), Dallas Blaker (2019) and Elizabeth Taggard (2019).

"It felt good to know that people before me have gone on to be very successful at that school," Runnels said. "If they were successful there, it made me feel like I could be successful there."

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