Kayla McLean, a top returning senior player for the the East Columbus High School softball team, signed Friday to attend Methodist University and play softball for the Lady Monarchs in 2008.

Formerly Methodist College, the Fayetteville-based school received its university status on Jan. 1 of this year.

McLean heads into her final season for Coach Larry Williamson’s Lady Gators having already established herself as one of the top power hitters in Waccamaw Conference softball history.

Her junior season ended in disappointment when she suffered a torn ACL with 10 games remaining on the schedule and had to sit the rest of the season.

“We really missed her bat in the line-up after she got hurt last year, but we’re really thankful that she has another year of high school ball remaining,” said veteran Lady Gator coach Larry Wiliamson. “We’re looking for an outstanding year from her.”

The Lady Gators are expected to give defending state 1A champion Pender a strong challenge in Waccamaw Conference play this spring.

McLean, the daughter of Brad and Lori McLean, plays summer softball for the Carolina Flames, coached by Jimmy Britt of Riegelwood.

The Methodist softball team finished its 2006 season ranked 11th among NCAA Division III teams.