SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – Slippery Rock University head softball coach Vashion Johnson announced Thursday that two current high school standouts that have signed National Letters of Intent to play softball at Slippery Rock in the spring of 2012.

Allie Lairamore (C/3B) and Ashley Knight (LHP) each signed their letters of intent during the early signing period.

“I'm very happy that Allie and Ashley chose Slippery Rock to continue not only their softball careers, but also their education,” said Johnson.

Both Lairamore and Knigiht are out of state signees, with Lairamore hailing from Golden, Colo. and Knight residing in Harrisville, W. Va.

Lairamore enters her senior season with plans of playing at both catcher and third base. A versatile player, she has played at every position in the infield over her high school career. Lairamore has earned All-Conference honors in each of the previous three seasons, including two Honorable Mention nods and one second team selection.

The daughter of Michelle and Jeremy Lairamore, Allie has been named the team's best defensive player twice. She carries a cumulative grade point average of 3.3 and is planning to major in sport management at SRU. Before deciding on Slippery Rock, she also considered the University at Albany, Ft. Lewis, Ft. Hays and Adams State.

“I chose SRU softball because I loved the campus and the town,” said Lairamore. “I knew the moment I stepped on campus that I wanted to be at The Rock.”

Knight will enter her senior season with lofty expectations after earning first team All-State honors last season. She has twice been named the Player of the Year on her team, including once as the offensive selection and once as the defensive selection.

Last season, Knight was named to the All-Tournament team at the State Tournament. She has lettered in softball in all three previous seasons and has also lettered in volleyball.

The daughter of Marsha and Greg Knight, Ashley carries a 3.96 grade point average and is a member of the National Honor Society. She is currently undecided on a major. Knight also considered the University of Charleston before deciding on SRU.

“I know pitching at Slippery Rock will be a good choice for me,” said Knight. “I can do my part and I know the offense will score runs, which will make for a successful team.”