Eris Deal often found herself overshadowed by power hitters Liz Harvey and Cam Parker but the Bryan County softball senior got the recognition she earned by those who opinion counted the most: college recruiters.

Deal, a three-year starter and a member of three state playoff teams including this year’s team which advanced to the Sweet Sixteen, signed this week to take her game to the next level with South Carolina-Salkehatchie.

A starting pitcher who also played an excellent first base when not in the circle, Deal hit. 284 with 23 RBI, third on the team behind Harvey and Parker, as the Redskins posted a 17-15 record in Coach Jessica Schroeder-Cooper’s second year.

After missing the playoffs last year Bryan County clinched a playoff berth by beating Claxton in its last region game of the season and then shocked everyone but themselves when they knocked off No. 1 seed Johnson County.

The Redskins were the only No. 4 seed to advance out of the opening round and Cooper credited Deal with being one of the team’s leaders and playing a major role in the team’s late season run which saw it win eight of its last nine games before losing to Irwin County in the second round.

“Eris celebrated her well-deserved success with her friends, family, teammates, coaches and staff in attendance,” Cooper said. “We were able to celebrate what Eris has been working on for a long time.

“The same reps, extra practices, lessons, dedication in the weight room and class room all led to this day for her,” Cooper said. “She is going to represent Bryan County High with first class, and we all are very proud to have been a part of her athletic and academic career here.

“I can’t wait to see all the things she is going to do not only at USC but in life beyond.”