Triton High School softball players Mallorie Jennings and Allyson Brown have both verbally committed to continue their softball careers at Manchester University.
In the front row, from left, are Stacy Jennings, Mallorie Jennings, Allyson Brown and Pamela Brown. In the back row are Scott Jennings, Triton assistant coach Jeff Mellott, Triton head coach Steve McBride, Triton assistant coach Bill Keyser and Daniel Brown. (Photo by Mike Deak)

BOURBON – Triton’s softball program had another banner day Friday as two of its senior stars committed to play collegiate softball at Manchester University.

Pitcher Mallorie Jennings and catcher Allyson Brown both had their day in the sun Friday afternoon in verbally committing to Manchester. The uniqueness of the opportunity of a pitcher-catcher combo signing with the same school had both girls very excited to make the commitment official.

“Mallorie and I have been friends since junior high, and I was really excited for the chance to keep playing with her in college,” Brown said Friday afternoon. “I had a couple schools I was looking at, but knowing I would have someone there I would know was huge for me. There was so much comfort in knowing that Mallorie would be there.”

Jennings echoed similar sentiments about having her battery-mate there at the next level.

“It’s really neat for me to know that my catcher for three years is going to college with me,” Jennings said at the media event. “I still have schools that have contacted me. It’s nice to know that I am wanted like that, but nothing really compared to what Manchester offered for me.”

Brown, who is ranked No. 13 in her graduating class, is looking to study accounting. In 24 games this season, Brown is hitting .355 with two homers and 17 RBIs.

Jennings, who is ranked No. 2 in her graduating class, hopes to find a niche as a business major. Jennings will leave Triton as the all-time leader in strikeouts, currently sitting at 675 in her career and has fanned 124 this season. Jennings also sports a 0.79 earned run average and is 13-5 overall with one save.

Brown and Jennings will look to add a second consecutive sectional to their legacy when the Lady Trojans host the four-team Triton Sectional beginning Monday. Hamilton plays Elkhart Christian Academy and Triton hosts Bethany Christian. The championship is Tuesday night.

“Winning a sectional is the biggest goal in front of us right now, and we really want to win it,” Jennings said, who added disappointment over not winning the Northern State Conference crown. “We play all year for the sectional. I’m ready to play.”