ST. JOSEPH – Missouri Western softball head coach Jen Bagley Trotter has announced the signing of six student-athletes for the 2017 season.
Sydni Beck | P | Carl Junction (Mo.) HS
Four-year softball letter winner…batted .397 with a .460 OBP and .692 SLG…carried a 2.89 ERA as a pitcher…four-time first team All-Conference…three-time first team All-District, two-time All-Region.
“Sydni will give the other two freshmen healthy competition with the upside of her abilities. She has long levers and will grow into an outstanding career with her ability to progress,” Trotter said.
Markee Brown | 3b | Southeast Polk (Iowa) HS
Hit .366 with a .445 OBP and had a .918 fielding percentage last summer…second team All-Eastern Division in 2015…lettered four years…All-Academic Award three times.
“Markee is an infielder with a healthy bat, she explodes with positive energy and determination. Being a Griffon is exactly where she wants to be and we couldn’t be happier,” Trotter said.
Taylor Goode | P | Norwalk (Iowa) HS
Has won three letters in softball…first team All-State all three years…three-time All-District and first team All-Conference…went 18-6 with a 1.73 ERA while striking out 166 and walking 24.
“Taylor Goode is standout from Norwalk. She will be in pursuit of a starting position with our young pitching staff. She brings a good combination of power, spin, and competitive drive,” Trotter said.
Kenzie Hilzer | P | Southeast Polk (Iowa) HS
Went 12-11 as a pitcher last year in 142 1/3 innings pitched…struck out 134 batters while walking 54…posted a 2.21 ERA and limited hitters to a .236 average…hit .350 at the plate with a .409 OBP and a .567 SLG…hit six home runs, drove in 27 and had eight doubles.
“Kenzie is one of our three freshmen pitchers looking to keep our ship on course. She has great energy and work ethic. We are excited to see her progression,” Trotter said.
Lauren Houston | IF | Kirksville (Mo.) HS
Batted .432 while slugging .595 and posting a 1.138 OPS last season to go with a .962 fielding percentage…academic All-State three times…All-Conference twice…All-District twice…All Region twice…three-sport athlete that also had four basketball letters and three track letters…twice qualified for state in long jump.
“Lauren Houston will add depth to our middle infield. She has great hands and instincts. Lauren has leadership qualities and understands the elements necessary to be great,” Trotter said.
Danica Meierhenry | Utility | Norris (Neb.) HS
Hit .456 and slugged .556 in senior season…school’s all-time leader in hits and singles…sits No. 2 in school history with 26 doubles and .382 career batting average…All-State in 2015…two-time first team All-Conference…two-time Academic All-Conference…has three basketball letters and four in track…three-time state qualifier in high jump with high-finish of third (two top-5s).
“Danica Meierhenry’s strength is her versatility. She is a balanced athlete that will provide depth to a number of positions on our team. A great talent, she was also the lead of Belle in Beauty and the Beast in her High School Musical! It is impossible not to love this kid,” Trotter said.
— MWSU Athletics —