By Byron Beers/Staff Writer

El Reno senior Katie Raines was the glue that held the Indians together and helped them reach new heights with El Reno’s first-ever trip to the softball fastpitch state tournament.

On Friday, Raines signed a letter of intent with Southwestern Oklahoma State University where she will continue her softball career.

Raines chose Southwestern over the likes of New Mexico State, Tennessee Tech and Butler County (Kan.) Community College.

The lefthander captured the Suburban Conference Newcomer of the Year and was also chosen to the All-Region I team during her only season with El Reno.

“I really took just one visit to Southwestern and it just felt like home to me,” Raines said. “I like what they are doing with their softball program and I have some friends that are out there.”

Raines, who plans on majoring in physical therapy, went 19-8 in the pitcher’s circle for the Indians in 2007. She posted an 0.82 earned run average through 170 innings and recorded 151 strikeouts, while limiting opposing hitters to a .126 batting average.