Emma Verge, of Mount Vernon, Wash., has become the first signee for Briar Cliff University's softball recruiting class of 2010.

"Emma has a phenomenal work ethic," said Briar Cliff head coach Michelle Schaper.  "She also has a strong bat and is very strong defensively.  I am excited to have her as part of our program."

Verge, a senior at Mount Vernon High School, is a two-year softball starter and letterwinner.  The left-handed power hitter primarily plays first base and outfield.  For her high school team, she is a staple at first base and for her travel team, Washington Triple Threat Gold, she plays both first and in the outfield.

Verge has been playing travel softball since she was 10 years old, competing in nearly 500 games with select and high school teams. As a 12-year-old, her travel team won the 12U ASA Washington State Championship. At Mount Vernon, she helped the 2007 and 2008 teams to the state softball tournament, starting every game as a freshman and sophomore.

Verge was a second team all-conference selection as a freshman and an honorable mention all-conference choice as a sophomore. She missed her junior year of high school softball, while recovering from knee surgery after an injury during basketball.

"I really missed not being able to play, but it gave me time to get stronger and it made me appreciate how much I love the game of softball," Verge said. "Playing college ball has always been a dream of mine. Now that I've been given the chance to play for Coach Schaper at Briar Cliff, I can hardly wait to get started."

Verge plans to major in physical therapy, sports medicine or physical education at Briar Cliff.  The daughter of Tom and Cindy Verge has one sister, Cora, who is a senior at Washington State University.