GATESVILLE – Gates County High School senior Bobbi L. Doughtie has signed to play collegiately.

The catcher and first baseman for the Lady Barons’ softball team agreed to continue her career at College of the Albemarle, where she will play for the Dolphins.

Doughtie began the season as a starting catcher for Gates County, but had to transition after an accident left first base open.

“I was starting catcher until my first baseman was in a car accident and couldn’t play,” she said. “The coach had so much confidence in my glove that she put me at first base to finish the season.”

Doughtie, who batted cleanup for Gates County, had a .550 batting average for the season.

In addition to playing at Gates County, Doughtie has played travel softball since she was 12 years old. She currently plays for the Carolina Bandits, coached by John Wood. She has been with Coach Wood for the past two seasons.

In addition to playing softball, Doughtie ran cross country at Gates County for two seasons. During her junior season, she placed third in the state meet.

When she arrives at COA, Doughtie will study nursing and play softball. She plans to play at a four-year school after completing two seasons with the Dolphins.

Doughtie is the daughter of Tommy and Cheryl Doughtie of Eure.