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SPEED MERCHANT: MONROE CITY'S SPALDING LANDS WITH COLUMBIA COLLEGE SOFTBALL

Signing news now and with honor roll academic credentials and starring credits in three sports, including a state sprinting championship in track....Monroe City's Carly Spalding didn't lack for college options.

But in the end, she picked her favorite sport...softball and chance to play for a powerhouse Columbia College program that has done well with area players in the past.

And it sounds like Carly is already a fave for her new boss.

<"I think that she'll make an impact as a Freshman. She's that kind of player and you can't coach speed. She's either got it or she doesn't and she definitely brings that to the table. So that puts her above everybody else just to start. Obviously, she'll have to work her way in and execute but I think she's very capable of doing that....She finds the ability to get on base, whether she's walking, hitting the ball. Actually she came for a tryout and she hit one over the fence that day. She can put it down for a bunt to get on. She can hit with power. She's definitely a triple threat.">