RIO GRANDE, Ohio --- The University of Rio Grande RedStorm softball program stayed close to home for its most recent signing, making the trek to South Gallia High School for the signing of Morgan Gilliland and Tayler Duncan to letters of intent to play softball at Rio Grande beginning in the 2011-12 year.

Gilliland, a first baseman, had a big year this past season posting a .410 batting average and earning honorable mention All-Ohio. Duncan, a shortstop, also garnered honorable mention All-Ohio honors.

Both young ladies are very excited about signing with the Rio Grande program. "I think it's amazing. I'm really excited," Gilliland said. "This has been a dream of mine for a long time."

"I am very excited," said Duncan. "I knew Rio was a good school and had a great softball team."

Both players talked about their best attributes as players and also what they need to work on to be successful as they make the jump to the college game. "I think my best asset is my fielding," Gilliland said. "My hitting skills need some work and I'm very willing to accept help."

"I think my best assets are my defense and speed," Duncan said. "I need to work on my batting."

Both Duncan and Gilliland also talked about their goals for the next four years while donning the Rio Grande uniform. "I want to play shortstop and have a successful four years," Duncan said. "I want to better myself and become an important asset to the Rio Grande softball team," said Gilliland.

Rio Grande head coach Dawnjene DeLong thinks both young ladies are fine additions to the program. "We will work on Morgan's wing and hopefully see improvements before the spring," DeLong said. "Tayler is a quick girl who has a lot of potential."

"Both are great girls and will be nice additions to the program," DeLong added."

Duncan is the daughter of Paul and Roberta Duncan of Gallipolis and Gilliland is the daughter of Scott and Annette Gilliland also of Gallipolis. The duo played for former Rio Grande baseball player Matt Randles.

Tayler plans to major in education while Morgan will major in special education.

Duncan and Gilliland join Allison Hurst from Fairfield High School, Sydney Morris of Colerain High School, Maegen Pendleton of Xenia High School, Haley Gwin of Troy High School, Jessie Walk of Fairmont High School and Jessi Robinson of Wilmington High School as the current members of the 2011-12 RedStorm softball recruiting class. 

The RedStorm finished the 2011 season with an overall record of 23-21 and wrapped up the Mid-South Conference East Division championship with a 14-10 mark.

For more information on the Rio Grande softball program or any of the other Rio Grande athletic programs, log onto to www.rioredstorm.com.