Standout catcher Andrea Machado of Merced, Calif., has signed to play softball at Oklahoma Baptist University, beginning the 2009-10 school year.

The daughter of Brad and Angela Machado, Andrea played at Frederick High School in Oklahoma for three years before moving to Merced, where she played at Buhach Colony High.

She was a two-time All-Conference selection at Frederick and was second-team All-Central California Conference in 2009.

This summer, as a member of Modesto Lady Warriors summer team, Machado earned All-America recognition at the Colorado Sparkler Showcase.

"I'm drawn to the small school Christian atmosphere and solid softball program at OBU," Machado said.

She was a National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-America Scholar Athlete. Machado is in the National Honor Society, was an Oklahoma Girls' State delegate and graduated with a gold honor cord. She plans on majoring in psychology at OBU.

"We're glad to have Andrea behind the plate for us this coming season," said OBU coach Pam Fink. "Her defensive skills could have an immediate impact and she's going to represent us well in the classroom."