LA MIRADA, Calif. --- The 2018 season may still be a few weeks away, but Biola softball made a big investment for 2019 and beyond with the signing of left-handed pitcher Jen Morinishi.

A few adjectives follow Morinishi's name when she is mentioned in the local newspaper articles that cover Cerritos High School. The 2018 high school graduate is praised for her competitiveness and is described as an unwavering fighter in the circle who helped Cerritos to an 11-1 league record in 2017.

Come the 2019 softball season, the left-hander will be fighting in the circle at Freedom Field with Biola softball and will bring the impressive accolades she has already gained in three varsity seasons.

Morinishi will enter her senior season next March as the reigning Suburban League Pitcher of the Year. She pitched in all 26 games for Cerritos in 2017, collecting 19 wins and 137 strikeouts on the way to her second all-league selection.

"We are very excited to finally have Jen join the Biola softball program," said Head Coach Lorie Coleman. "She is not only a talented pitcher and addition to our pitching staff, but also a great outfielder and hitter. She will be an asset to the lineup and bring poise to the mound."

Morinishi has also excelled in the classroom as a two-time recipient of the Scholar-Athlete award for finishing the year with a 3.5 GPA or better. When she enrolls at Biola in the Fall of 2018, Morinishi plans to major in Biology to position her for a future career in optometry or pediatrics.

"I chose Biola because of the amazing coaching staff and atmosphere of the University," said Morinishi. "It is also a place that I can grow spiritually, get a great education and play the sport that I love."

Biola softball will resume preparations for its first season in the PacWest when the student-athletes return to campus in early January. The Eagles' first game is scheduled for Feb. 1 at Freedom Field.