Marion seniors Jacey Holder and Brianna Morquecho have made names for themselves as standouts for the Patriot softball team over the past three years. And now, they'll get to continue their athletic careers in college. Holder and Morquecho signed letters of intent last Friday afternoon with Lyon College in a ceremony in front of their family and friends. “This is a huge day for them, and I couldn't be more proud,” said Marion softball coach Drake Rowton. “Both have had excellent careers for us here, and it goes back to the hard work that they've put in at every opportunity. They deserve this moment, and they've definitely earned it.” “I am so beyond excited and I'm so excited to see where this next chapter takes me,” said Morquecho. “I've hoped to be able to play college softball for so long, and now I get to go do it.” “I'm happy and nervous at the same time,” said Holder. “It's nice that all the time I've invested in softball is going to pay off.” Following the cancellation of their freshman seasons of 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Morquecho and Holder quickly locked starting spots early in their sophomore years. Morquecho opened the season as the starting shortstop and recorded a fielding percentage of 90, while Holder took over in April at catcher, where she logged a fielding percentage of 93 percent while throwing out four potential base-stealers. The sophomores helped Marion to a 22-10 record, including a conference runner-up finish in 2021. The Patriots advanced to the quarterfinal round before falling to Greenwood. “My sophomore year wasn't necessarily what I wanted it to be or what I expect from myself,” said Morquecho. “But, my coaches and teammates really worked with me during the off-season and I felt like I improved a lot.” As juniors, each took a big step forward offensively while maintaining their standard on defense. Morquecho improved her on-base percentage by almost 60 points in 2022, while her batting average jumped by almost 70 ticks. The shortstop scored 24 runs, drove in 23 runs, and walked 11 times while only striking out nine times to earn all-conference honors. Holder anchored Marion's defense behind the plate while improving her offensive numbers across the board, driving in 14 runs with eight walks. Marion finished 2022 with an 18-11 record, against qualifying for the quarterfinal round. “The way they've attacked this off-season has really been amazing,” said Rowton. “It's just been a real pleasure and impressive to watch. They will have their best high school seasons yet.” Holder highlighted one area in particular where her game has evolved over the past three years. “Definitely blocking,” said Holder. “I used to suck at blocking, and now I'm kind of good at it. I used to hope I was good at it and now I feel like I know I am.” Lyon's softball team finished 13-24 in 2022, but the Scots wound up 10-8 in conference play before exiting the American Midwest Conference tournament after losing two of three games against Hannibal-LaGrange. Morquecho picked Lyon because of its new veterinary program and because “I connected to the coaches the very first time we met,” said Morquecho. “They had an interest in me and we just hit it off.” While Holder and Morquecho are bound for Batesville in the fall, these two seniors have one year left in Marion, and both made it clear they have unfinished business. “Playing softball here has meant everything to me,” said Morquecho. “I love my coaches and my team. I love my teachers. We want this to be a year to remember.” “Our team this year is so much closer than it's been in the past,” said Holder. “We're all like best friends now instead of just teammates. That makes it even more special to be a part of.” Marion opens its season Thursday, February 23 at 4:30 p.m. against Southside. It will be the first game held at Marion's new softball facility. Marion will also host the 2023 Class 5A state softball tournament May 11-13.