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The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga softball team has again picked up some help from a powerful Southeastern Conference program as the Lady Mocs look to rebound following a tough 2013 season.

Georgia infielder Bry Blanco from Maryville, Tenn., is transferring to UTC and will be looking to compete for a spot in the starting lineup. Blanco, who will have three years of eligibility remaining, played in 39 games as a freshman at Georgia and started 26 games Bulldogs, primarily at third base. She hit .250 with home run and seven RBIs as a freshman.

"Georgia just wasn't a great fit for me," Blanco said by phone Sunday. "And I like what I've seen from the coaching staff [at UTC] and learned about the team. Plus its closer to home as well."

UTC coach Frank Reed couldn't be reached for comment Sunday afternoon, but the Lady Mocs will have openings in the infield following the graduation of first baseman Kasey Tydingco and second baseman Sara Poteat.

The Lady Mocs struggled last season, with more than 10 newcomers on the team, finishing with an overall record of 26-28 and losing their final seven games of the season. The UTC softball program has traditionally been one of the best in the Southern Conference, and Blanco is the second SEC transfer Reed and his staff have added to the team this summer. Last month, former Silverdale standout and Kentucky pitcher Katie Henderson decided to return home to continue her college career at UTC.

Blanco said she is comfortable playing several infield spots, including second base, and was ready to come in and compete for a spot in the starting lineup.

"I'd like to work hard in the off season and this fall so I can be ready to start and help the team win," she said. "I'm very excited about coming to Chattanooga. I've always heard that it was a great program, and I love the coaches and the players I've met so far."

While at Maryville High School, Blanco was an Under Armor All-American her senior year of high school and was a four-time all-state selection. She played travel ball for the Chattanooga-based Fury program.

Contact Jim Tanner at jtanner@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6478.