ELLISVILLE, Miss. — Five sophomores from the Jones College softball team are headed to four-year schools for the next phase of their careers. Catcher Addy Shorter, pitcher Breelyn Cain, and infielder Marlee Dampeer will attend William Carey University. Outfielder Laney Little signed with Spring Hill College, and infielder Reagan Dale committed to Arkansas-Pine Bluff, according to a school news release.
Head coach Tori Dew praised the class for its impact on the program. “This sophomore class was pivotal in maintaining consistency to what this program is built on,” Dew said. “Excellence in the classroom, community and on the playing field. Success will be part of their paths as they continue their softball and academic careers.”
Jones finished with a 50-12 record this season, earning runner-up in the conference and making its 14th appearance in the NJCAA World Series, the release said. The five players helped the Bobcats to back-to-back 50-win seasons, two MACCC runner-up finishes, the 2025 NJCAA Region 23 Championship, and World Series appearances.
Shorter, a two-time All-MACCC Honorable Mention, hit .333 for her career with 19 doubles, 10 home runs, and 52 RBIs. She also posted a .434 on-base percentage and a fielding percentage of .989 with only five errors in 441 chances. Off the field, she earned multiple academic honors, including Easton/NFCA Scholar-Athlete All-America and NJCAA All-Academic Third Team.
Cain, who compiled a 29-12 record with a 3.56 ERA in 46 appearances, recorded 208 strikeouts in 237.2 innings. She pitched a two-hit shutout with 14 strikeouts in an elimination game at the World Series on May 22, 2026, helping Jones advance to the semifinals. Off the field, she was an Easton/NFCA Scholar-Athlete All-America and was recognized on the NJCAA All-Academic Second Team.
Dampeer, known as one of the top middle infielders in the MACCC, hit .260 with 12 doubles, 34 RBIs, and 59 runs scored over two seasons. Her only collegiate home run came against Bishop State on May 2, 2026. She also earned multiple academic honors, including Easton/NFCA Scholar-Athlete.
Little played in 117 career games, ranking sixth in Jones history, and hit .363 with 28 doubles, eight triples, nine home runs, and 65 RBIs. Her doubles and triples each rank in the program’s top 10. She received multiple academic awards, including Easton/NFCA Scholar-Athlete All-America.
Dale, a quick infielder, appeared in 42 games, hitting .273 with a double, four RBIs, and six runs scored. She earned several academic honors as well. These five helped Jones to a successful season, with the team finishing 50-12 and reaching the NJCAA World Series for the 14th time.
