BILLINGS, Mont. – The Montana State University Billings softball team announced the signing of six players for the 2023-24 academic year on Saturday.
 
Ashley Akers, Rori Degeer, Bayleigh Frye, Bryn Lucht, Riley Warden, and Shelby Wasilewski all signed letters of intent to join MSUB beginning in the fall of 2023, becoming the first signings of the year for MSUB softball. "Overall, we are very excited about signing day, as most of these girls have been committed to MSUB for a year or two," said MSUB head coach Lisa McKinney. "We have had a couple of more recent commits to round out the group nicely. They are a large and diverse group with several athletes from states we have never had in our program before. We look forward to seeing their contributions to MSUB Softball and the legacy they will leave behind."
 
Ashley Akers
First Base/Right fielder
Des Moines, Iowa
Dowling Catholic High School
Intended Major: Health and Human Performance
 
Akers joins the Yellowjackets from Dowling Catholic High School, where she competed for their softball team. The 5-foot-7 Akers comes in capable of playing first base and rightfield and adds another lefty into the 'Jackets lineup. At Dowling, Akers received academic recognition from her freshman year on, making the honor roll every year.
 
Coach McKinney on Akers: "Ashley is joining the Yellowjackets as a left-handed first baseman and our first player from Iowa. She is a good first baseman with range on the corner. Her lefty bat will be a nice addition to our team."
 
Akers on choosing MSUB: "I fell in love with MSUB the moment I stepped on campus, from the friendly welcome of the teachers in class, to the close-knit band of the team, to the culture and spirit of the entire school. I knew then and there that's where I belong."
 
Rori Degeer
Catcher
Waco, Texas
Midway High School
Intended Major: Undecided
 
Degeer comes from Midway High School, where she lettered in four years of softball for coach Jordan Williams before making her way to MSUB. A right-handed bat and thrower, Degeer played around the field, but primarily at catcher. Degeer was selected second team 6A all district in 2021 when her team won the District Championship, and was an honorable mention in 2022, where her team went on to win the Regional Championship.
 
Coach McKinney on Degeer: "Rori is our first Texas recruit and will be coming in as a catcher. She has a strong arm, which can make her versatile on the field and a solid bat that will help our lineup continue to grow."
 
Degeer on choosing MSUB: "The reason I chose MSUB isn't just because of their amazing softball program, but because I see myself growing as a better person while I'm there. I am also a very outgoing person and in Billings, Montana there is a lot of stuff I could do and keep myself busy when I'm not doing softball. Overall, I feel that MSUB is a great home for me the people are welcoming, and the atmosphere is amazing. MSUB is where I want to be to continue my academic and athletic career."
 
Bayleigh Frye
Pitcher
Apple Valley, California
Apple Valley High School
Intended Major: Undecided
 
Frye joins the Yellowjackets from Apple Valley High School, where she lettered in three seasons of softball under coach Isabella Barajas. Accumulating a 38-19 record over that time, Frye was a varsity captain for two seasons, while winning numerous awards including a silver slugger, and first team all-league. Frye's high school career was full of success. She threw a no-hitter in December of 2021, while also striking out 17 players in a game her junior season. Frye has skill with the bat as well, leading her team in batting average during her junior season.
 
Coach McKinney on Frye: "Bayleigh will be one of our freshman pitchers next year. She has poise and maturity on the mound, which will help her tremendously as a freshman. Her ability to keep hitters off balance is going to be one of her best traits."
 
Frye on choosing MSUB: I knew I wanted to become a student athlete for MSUB during my junior year of high school. I researched the school and knew it was a fit for me. I worked hard on sending emails, videos, and updated profiles to the softball coaching staff. I finally got my invite to a prospect camp. Once I arrived, I automatically fell in love with the whole atmosphere of MSUB. Everyone at MSUB is very welcoming. Stepping on the field felt like home. The coaches were welcoming. If I had a question, they were able to answer it in a way I understood. I enjoyed hanging out and being around the softball girls and seeing what life was about at MSUB."
 
Bryn Lucht
Outfield/Second Base
Wauconda, Illinois
Wauconda High School
Intended Major: Undecided
 
Lucht joins the Yellowjackets from Wauconda High School, where she played four years of varsity softball under head coach Tim Orisek. After being selected as rookie of the year to begin her career, Lucht collected numerous awards at the high school level. The right hander was selected twice all-conference and all-area and has been a member of the all-state third team and second teams. With one year left to play in high school, Lucht has averaged .459 and .460 in her two full season of high school ball, with 20 career home runs, 81 RBI's and 81 runs.
 
Coach McKinney on Lucht: "Bryn is one of our Illinois recruits, which is also a first for our program. She is an aggressive outfielder that can cover some ground but could also be used in the infield. She adds some more power to our lineup offensively as well."


Lucht on choosing MSUB: "I chose MSUB because I love the environment both the school and the people have to offer. It was a great opportunity during my official visit to learn about the life of a student athlete at MSU, and it really appealed to me. Having small class sizes will be beneficial towards my learning. I really loved getting to know my future teammates. I am currently undecided on my major, but MSUB offers many majors I am interested in pursuing. Overall, the school and the softball team definitely seemed like the perfect fit for me!"
 
Riley Warden
Outfield
Duvall, Washington
Cedarcrest High School
Intended Major: Undecided
 
Warden comes to MSUB from Cedarcrest High School, where she lettered in three years of softball under coach Gary Damron. Warden, who bats lefty but throws righty, has been a team captain and honorable mention for all-league teams. Her team finished second at regionals and participated in state last season, where she batted .342, scoring 38 runs and nine RBIs, while also collecting 17 stolen bases. Warden was also selected top 32 TCS 2022, and top 8 at TC Fireworks Colorado 2022.
 
Coach McKinney on Warden: "Riley is a quick outfielder from Washington. She brings speed and a different look at the plate for our team being one of the few slappers we have. She can track down balls in the outfield while causing havoc on the bases."
 
Warden on choosing MSUB: "I chose MSUB because it felt like the perfect fit. I absolutely love the location of Billings and the beautiful campus. On my official visit, the coaches and the team were more than welcoming and made me feel at home. I like the small class sizes and the family-feel on campus. I've always wanted to play in the GNAC conference and Billings felt like the perfect place for me."
 
Shelby Wasilewski
Pitcher
Fox Lake, Illinois
Grant Community High School
Intended Major: Health and Human Performance
 
Wasilewski participated in four years of varsity softball for coach Chris Van Alstine at Grant Community High School. The right hander has been a two-time all-conference team awarded player, and one time all-state second team, while being selected as her teams MVP in 2022. In her sophomore season, Wasilewski struck out 149 batters, setting a single season school record. Wasilewski has been all academic team each year of her career.
 
Coach McKinney on Wasilewski: "Shelby is one of our Illinois recruits and a freshman pitcher. She is a hard worker and mature for her age. Not only can she pitch but she can hit which will give our team more options on game day."
 
Wasilewski on choosing MSUB: "I chose MSUB because it was such a welcoming environment. After meeting the coaches, I knew that I would love to play here. Both the coaches and the players that I was able to meet provided such a great experience and I knew that I wanted to take part in that experience."