BILLINGS, Mont. – Head coach Jessica Rayman announced the addition of five student-athletes to the Montana State University Billing softball team's 2018 recruiting class on Friday. Rayman and her staff laded recruits from Montana, Oregon, Washington and Colorado during the early signing period.
 
Payton Meyer
Billings, MT
Billings Senior High School
Middle Infield/Utility
 
A local prospect, Peyton Meyer has earned three letters for softball during her career with the Broncs. She was named first team all-state at second base following her junior season and competed in the fourth annual Veteran's Memorial Softball Classic as part of the Navy team that took first place.
 
During the 2017 season the right-hander hit .413 with a .450 on-base percentage. She scored 32 runs for the Broncs and drove in 22 more.
 
MEYER ON CHOOSING MSUB: "The main reason I chose MSUB is because how close to home and my family it is. Family is very important to me, without them I wouldn't be where I am today. I grew up in a competitive family and being the oldest of five has shaped me into who I am. I've been able to help coach my sisters' softball and basketball teams and I hope to continue to do that. I will be able to watch my siblings grow up and be a part of their high school years. Watching my siblings progress in sports and succeed gives me so much happiness and that is why MSUB was a perfect fit."
 
RAYMAN ON MEYER: "Payton is a great addition to our roster. We are excited about keeping local talent here in Billings. She is a hard worker and will be able to contribute to our team both offensively and defensively."
 
Alyssa Etheridge
Grants Pass, OR
Grants Pass High School
Right-Handed Pitcher/First baseman
 
Elyssa Etheridge joins the 'Jackets after a successful two sport career with the Lady Cavers where she has earned three letters for softball and two for basketball. Grants Pass has made deep postseason runs in each of her three season with the softball team including semifinal appearances in her freshman and sophomore seasons.
 
She was tabbed second team all-conference last season as a pitcher and earned honorable mention recognition for her work on the basketball court. Etheridge holds a 3.85 grade point average and has been a member of the National Honor Society since 2016.
 
ETHERIDGE ON CHOOSING MSUB: "I chose MSUB to pursue my nursing career while playing competitive softball in a very friendly, family oriented environment. I enjoy the scenery of Billings, the campus and the small class sizes. MSUB feels like home and I can't wait to live there for the next four years."
 
RAYMAN ON ETHERIDGE: "Alyssa is a competitor. She is consistent with hitting her spots and spins the ball well. We are excited about her mound presence and the ability to allow her defense to work for her. She will be a great addition to our pitching staff."
 
Rylan Austin
Medford, OR
North Medford High School
Shortstop/Right-Handed Pitcher
 
Earning honorable mention her freshman season as a Tornado, Rylan Austin has increased her impact on North Medford's softball team each year. As a junior Austin was named first team all-state on her way to helping the Tornado grab the Oregon 6A State Championship.
 
A three year letterwinner for softball, the right-handed Austin has been a threat at the plate and in the circle. Last season she posted a .528 batting average while slugging .759. She drove in 48 runs for the Tornado and recorded 22 doubles.
 
AUSTIN ON CHOOSING MSUB: "I chose MSUB because when I arrived for my visit everyone from Coach Rayman, to the students on campus, the softball team and the admiration made me feel welcome. As I made my way around campus and Billings, it felt a lot like home. I can see myself in Montana through my graduation at MSUB."    
 
RAYMAN ON AUSTIN: "Rylan is very athletic. She is a solid defensive player and very consistent offensively. She will also bring more depth to our pitching staff. She does a good job of working the ball low to get ground balls."
 
Sidney Pollard
Raymond, WA
Willapa Valley High School
Shortstop/Utility
 
A three sport athlete during her prep career, Sidney Pollard has earned letters in softball, volleyball and basketball during her time a Willapa Valley High School. In 2017, Pollard collected a host of honors on the diamond including first team all-league, all-area and all-league academic on her way to helping the Vikings win league, district and state championships.
 
The right-handed shortstop is also active off the field as she has been a staple on the honor roll in her first three years and a member of the honor society since 2014. She was first team all-league in volleyball as a setter the past two seasons and was named to the second team as a freshman. In basketball, Pollard was named most improved after the 2015 season and has garnered all-league academic honors all three seasons.
 
POLLARD ON CHOOSING MSUB: "I chose MSUB because it felt like home. The coaching staff and team were very welcoming. I will be able to continue to play softball while getting a great education in criminal justice. I am looking forward to being a part of their great softball program. I enjoy outdoor activities, which made it really easy to fall in love with Montana."
 
RAYMAN ON POLLARD: "Sidney is a great defensive player up the middle. She has a strong work ethic and is very athletic and versatile. She has a very smooth glove that we're excited to have in the field for us."
 
Morgan Quimby
Aurora, CO
Grandview High School
Second Base/Outfield
 
Quimby is a four-time letterwinner at Grandview High School where she has been a stalwart at second base. The past two seasons she has been tabbed a team captain and named second team all-conference. Quimby has excelled in the class room as she received the Les Schwab Academic Honor Award in her first two years at Grandview and was named first team academic all-state in her junior and senior years. In her freshman season with the Wolves, Quimby contributed to a 5A state championship run as she earned both a varsity and academic letter.
 
Last year Quimby led the Wolves with 16 RBI while batting .377 with a .536 slugging percentage. She also tied for the team lead in doubles (5) and home runs (2).
 
QUIMBY ON CHOOSING MSUB: "I chose MSUB because of the opportunity to further my education while achieving my dream of play college softball. It is a gorgeous school, not too far from home, and was a perfect fit for me."
 
RAYMAN ON QUIMBY: "Morgan is a gamer. She is a strong offensive player and hits the ball well from gap-to-gap. We're excited to the see the impact that her plate presence can have on our lineup."
 
The Yellowjackets 2018 season will begin on February 2, against the University of Mary when MSUB hosts their annual Desert Stinger in Las Vegas, Nevada.