CANFIELD SOFTBALL Kent St. signs Lauren McGivern

The Cardinals' infielder was All-MAC last season.
CANFIELD -- Lauren McGivern, a senior softball player at Canfield High, has signed a national letter of intent with Kent State.
"I have dreamed about going to Kent State since I was a little girl," said McGivern, who will receive a partial scholarship.
"They have a good program in Audiology," she added. "It's one of the reasons I want to get into the study of hearing because I have a hearing problem and wear a hearing aid and I want to learn how I can help people with hearing problems.
"Kent is a Division I school and I really like their coach [Karen Linder]," added McGivern. "Kent is really having a good season."
One of team's top hitters
So is Canfield (6-0), in part because of McGivern, who is one of the team's leading hitters.
A middle infielder, she prefers to play shortstop.
"I love it. Even though it's the toughest throw to first base, it's more challenging," said McGivern.
A three-year letterman for the Cardinals, McGivern plays year around. She won the Best of Best award at shortstop at the Ringer Showcase at Kent State in January.
Sixteen teams competed in the indoor tournament and she was give the Best Bat award in two out of three games.
During her sophomore and junior years she was selected on the Coaches Northeast Ohio Underclassman team and participated in a tournament held in Pickerington.
Last year she won the Dick Weiss award for desire, dedication and determination and was a 2005 All-MAC first team selection.
Four homers this year
So far this season she has hit four home runs and one triple and stolen 10 bases.
"McGivern is our leadoff batter," said Canfield coach Ronie Haurin. "She's really fast, very strong, a hard worker, consistent hitter and team captain."
She was also a football cheerleader at Canfield for four years and carries a 3.8 grade-point average.