Francis Marion University softball coach Stacey Vallee has announced the addition of 5-6 left-handed hitting outfielder Avery Bellai of Monroe, N.C., to the Patriot program for the 2023 season.

Bellai comes to FMU from UNC Charlotte, where she played her freshman season. She appeared in 35 contests for the 49ers in 2021 and scored nine runs with three stolen bases.

She is a product of Piedmont High School, where she played for coach Jason Phelix.  In four seasons of varsity play, she compiled a .374 career batting average in 74 games with 50 runs batted in, 63 runs scored, 19 doubles, five home runs, 21 stolen bases, and a .447 on-base percentage.

She helped the Panthers to a 55-24 record from 2017 to 2020, including winning the 2017 Southern Carolina Conference Championship and being the N.C. 3A state runner-up in 2017.  She earned All-State, All-Region, and All-Conference honors following that season.

Off the diamond, she was a member of the National Honor Society and a club officer for Break the Silence, while maintaining a 4.325 grade point average and being on the A-Honor Roll all throughout high school.

"Avery is a left-handed bat with some pop, and will bring immediate collegiate experience to our squad," Vallee said.  "She's going to add yet another lefty to our roster for the 2023 season, something that we are excited about.  Her speed will also be a nice addition to our outfield group. She has a strong desire to play softball and we can't wait to get her into a Patriot uniform."

Vallee previously announced seven additions for 2023: 5-3 shortstop Madalyn White of Currie, N.C., 5-7 right-handed pitcher/utility player Jenna Walling of Johns Island, S.C., 5-7 right-handed pitcher Jordan Rivera of Las Cruces, N.M., 5-4 utility player Mikaela Goss of Fuquay-Varina, N.C., 5-6 outfielder Anderson Thrower of Hanahan, S.C., 5-6 outfielder and first baseman Michaela Ponticello of Gloversville, N.Y., and 5-7 catcher Reagan Glanz of Aberdeen, Wash.

The Patriots lose three seniors from this past season's 33-22 squad that reached the Conference Carolinas Tournament title game and earned a bid to the NCAA Division II National Tournament.