SENATOBIA – Northwest sophomore second baseman Bradley Noland of Collierville, Tenn., has signed to play for head coach Mike Keehn and the University of North Alabama the next two seasons.

The 5-foot-8, 175-pound infielder had a solid two years for the Rangers in starting 91 of 93 career games, tying for the batting crown in 2011 and winning it outright this past season. A .364 lifetime hitter, Noland became the 17th player in school history to eclipse 100 career hits, finishing with 107 which is good enough for 11th all-time.

"The first thing that attracted us was his offensive ability," fourth year assistant coach Matt Hancock said. "How hard he plays the game and his baseball I.Q. fits our system well here at North Alabama. We expect him to come in and start somewhere for us depending on where we need him most."

This past season, Noland helped the Rangers to a 25-23 overall mark and a second place finish in the MACJC North Division with a 16-8 record. A 47-game starter, Noland led the team with a .362 average, 55 hits, 42 runs scored, 10 doubles, three triples, 16 walks and 15 multi-hit games. He also stole 19 of 24 bases, second on the team. 

As a freshman in 2011 Noland hit .366 with four home runs, two triples, seven doubles and 28 RBIs.

"Bradley showed interest in our program out of high school and came on a visit last fall," Hancock said. "He then committed to us at the beginning of April. He's a guy whose attitude and leadership can help us get to that next level."

Noland was a First Team All-MACJC selection in 2011 and will be up for league honors again this year.

UNA competes in the Gulf South Conference and currently sits at 39-16 overall awaiting an NCAA regional bid. The Lions are putting in the ground work to transition to Division I in the future.