LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, PA. (April 7, 2009) – Lincoln University of Pennsylvania softball coach Chris Cummings had an idea of what he would be in store when the talented triumvirate of freshmen Charisse Colston (Oakwood Village, OH, Bedford), Taylor Hines (Beachwood, OH, Beachwood) and Britny Adams (Bloomingdale, MI, Bloomingdale) announced they would attend Lincoln.
To Cummings delight and the enjoyment of the Lincoln student body and community, Colston, Adams and Hines have been better than advertised. The personable young ladies has produced instant results for the Lady Lions. They are Lincoln's version of the Michigan basketball “Fab Five” from the early 90s. Call them the “Terrific Trio.”
“Having all three of them commit to attend Lincoln was a very exciting moment” Lincoln coach Chris Cummings said. “I think with the caliber of theses recruits, proves we are serious in building our program. I think these players will have a strong four years here and will definitely make an impact. I feel that our program has taken the first step forward in making this a successful and strong program that Lincoln University can take great pride in.”
Colston, Hines and Adams have had bright moments in lifting the Lincoln softball team to instant respectability. They didn't waste anytime making a splash. Playing in their first college doubleheader, they played significant roles in helping Lincoln earn its first softball victories in program history. Hines was the winning pitcher in both games, a 9-6 and 22-12 victories over Gallaudet on March 11.
Adams, who plays with the ferocity of a middle linebacker, drove in the go-ahead run in the opening game with a two-run double. Meanwhile, Colston had an afternoon for the ages by hitting for the cycle in the second game, driving in seven runs and scoring five runs. That effort helped Colston earn ECAC Division II Player of the Week honors. Colston has a sweet short compact swing that would make Cardinals slugger Albert Puljos blush.
Currently, if Lincoln were eligible to be ranked among the national NCAA leaders, Colston would lead Division II in batting average (.610), on-base percentage (.667), slugging percentage (1.122), and doubles per game (.060). In addition, she would be tied fifth nationally in runs scored (1.25) and sixth in runs batted in per game (1.46).
The Lions will continue their season with a six-game, three-day road trip to Virginia. Lincoln will visit Saint Paul's (Friday April 10 in a 2:00 p.m. doubleheader), Virginia Union (Saturday April 11 in a 1:00 p.m. doubleheader) and Virginia State (Sunday April 12 in a 1:00 p.m. doubleheader).
Adams attended Bloomingdale high school where she was a four year varsity starter in both softball and basketball. She was recruited to play both sports at Lincoln University. Adams, who played first base and pitcher in high school, shares catching duties. Adams is one of the co-captains because of her leadership abilities on and off the field and her knowledge of the game.
In Adams' senior year, she hit over .400 and five home runs. She was also on the All District team her senior year and first team All-Conference for two years.
Adams has also played travel ball through high school where she played shortstop and 1st base. Besides playing, Britny has worked with youth softball camps for four years and has taught elementary school pitchers on the weekends for two years. She was recruited by over 50 schools in both sports before choosing Lincoln University.
Hines was the starting varsity pitcher since her sophomore year at Beechwood. She led her team to the Sectional Championships twice. Hines was named to the Cuyahoga Valley all–conference team for two years and was named to the all Scholastic Conference Team her senior year. Hines has received numerous awards during her career including team MVP for two years and the coach's award. In April of 2008 she was named the Cleveland Plain Dealer “Player of the week.”
During the 08 season Hines pitched on three travel teams including the Cuyahoga Valley Elite league. At the 2008 RBI regional tournament she pitched 25 innings in two days giving up only one earned run and made it to the regional championship game. Her team won the Cleveland City Championship in both 2007 and 2008.
Adams was also a member of the Beachwood Strings Orchestra for six years and selected to participate in the school's Leadership Conference in both her junior and senior year. Taylor was also selected to participate in the Consortium of African American Organization's first Youth Innovation Forum as well as the Call-and-Post's Leadership Summit held at Case Western Reserve University. She has also been recognized for leadership and academics by the national sororities Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc. and Phi Delta Kappa, Inc. She was also listed in the 2005 edition of Who's Who among American High School students.
Colston claimed a part of many hitting records in high school. In her senior year she broke her schools home run record with 14 tying for 17th in the state. Colston also broke her own season slugging percent record with a 1.125. In her junior year, Colston tied the record for second in the state for home runs in consecutive games with four. Colston also had a .613 batting average (tied for 18th in state) and 6 home runs for the season (school record).
Colston plays softball year round including a winter indoor league and the Lake Erie League where she was MVP. In her junior year, Colston was also named the Cleveland Plain Dealer player of the week in her junior year.
Together the trio should continue to produce enough highlights and memories to last a lifetime.
--LU--
