Richland High School softball coach Rickey Taylor has had the same No. 3 hitter in his starting lineup for the past four years.

This spring will be no different as he relies on Amanda Edwards to hit third in the order.

After this season, Taylor will have to give thought to the No. 3 spot in his batting order for the first time in five years. But Taylor’s loss is UTM head softball coach Donley Canary’s gain. Edwards has accepted a scholarship offer from UTM to continue her softball career as a Skyhawk.

Edwards, a senior at Richland High School in Giles County, can play any position on the field, including pitcher.

She complements her versatility with a strong and quick bat. “It’s going to be tough to play without her,” Taylor said. “It’s hard to find someone who can hit in the three spot and pitch.”

Edwards joins Canary’s outstanding recruiting class that includes second baseman Ashley Hodge from Murfreesboro; catcher Lauren Manna from Nashville; infielder Maghan Brown from Waverly; and pitcher Lindsey Brown from Crossville.

“Amanda is very athletic and we will find the best spot for her,” Canary said.

“We plan to use her as a pitcher, and at a variety of positions as soon as she gets here.”

Edwards helped her Richland team advance to last year’s substate where it suffered a 1-0 loss, in 10 innings, to eventual Class 1A state champion Goodpasture. The team suffered only one regional loss and posted a 26-9 record.

Edwards hit .395 with two home runs and 32 RBI. On the mound, she was 10-4. She piled up 110 strikeouts and gave up 18 walks.

She earned all-district honors as an eighth and ninth grader in Class 2A. She also earned all-district honors as a sophomore and junior in Class 1A.