Milligan College, Tenn. (April 6, 2010) --- Milligan's Sidney Burns (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.) reached a career milestone last week as she became the all-time career leader in strikeouts as she surpassed the longstanding mark of 517 held by Milligan Hall of Famer Tonya Bailey (‘94).

Burns, a junior, broke the record with her fifth strikeout in the nightcap against the Lady Crusaders of North Greeneville University last Wednesday as Milligan went on to sweep the series 2-1 and 3-2. Burns broke Bailey's career record in just two and a half seasons of adorning the orange and black.

"The strikeout record has been a fun record to chase," commented Burns. "It feels really good to say that I was able to break it in three years instead of four. I feel blessed."

In her two previous seasons, Burns has been named AAC pitcher of the year both seasons, and is a two time All-AAC First Team selection. As fate would have it, Burns also shattered the single-game strikeout record a year ago against the Lady Crusaders with her 17 K's.

"We are really proud of Sidney's performance," Head Coach Wes Holly said. "We knew she was a good pitcher out of high school. She was highly recruited and we were very fortunate she chose Milligan. I send heartfelt thanks for her coming to Milligan and carrying on the tradition."

For the year, Burns is 9-5 overall and currently boasts a 1.8 ERA, while equally as deadly at the plate as she is hitting .433 this season.

"We are very, very proud of her," Holly said. "She not only excels on the field, but also in the classroom. We are looking forward to what she can contribute for the next year and a half."

Burns and the rest of the Lady Buffs return to action Wednesday, April 7, when they host AAC foe Union College. The first pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m.