-- Bullard Banner photo by Kelly Griffith-Fields Back row, from left, Bullard High School Principal Scott Franks, Coach Billy Holcomb, Coach Steve Kipp and Coach Meredith Grant. Front row, from left, Scott Burton, Allison Burton and Catherine Burton. Senior all-state catcher for the Bullard Lady Panthers Allison Burton signed a letter of intent to play for Lon Morris College May 9.

"It's going to be hard to replace her," Bullard Coach Billy Holcomb said. "I'm not only losing a great catcher but a great leader both on and off the field."

The Lon Morris Lady Bearcats recently lost a catcher since graduation; Lady Bearcats Head Coach Meredith Grant said she is happy to have Burton come in and earn the spot.

"I'm pleased to have Allison," Grant said. "I think she'll be an asset to our team."

Burton decided on Lon Morris because it's close to home she said but not too close.

There she plans to study pre-veterinary medicine and biology.

"I'm ecstatic," Burton said. "I'm excited about the experience and the opportunity."

Burton believes that her years playing for Bullard as well as her Select Texas Triple Threat team under the coaching of Steve Kipp has prepared her to play on a college level.

"I enjoyed playing in high school and Select," Burton said. "I've never wanted to stop playing."

"She always wanted to play college softball; this is perfect," Allison's mother, Catherine Burton said. "We are so proud."