Lady Jackets Sign Seattle Catcher (5/14/07)

BILLINGS, MT – Kelly Parsons of Seattle, Wash., has signed a national letter of intent to play softball at Montana State University-Billings.  Yellowjacket assistant coach Cori Thiermann made the announcement on Monday.

“We are ecstatic to have Kelly Parsons join the Yellowjacket softball team,” said Thiermann.  “Kelly has a great deal of experience against top competition.  With this experience we are looking for her to contribute immediately and be an impact player for the next four years.  She has the ability and the leadership skills to drive us to the top of the Great Northwest Athletic Conference next season.”

Parsons lettered four times at Mt. Rainier High School, where she will graduate in June.  She has been a two-time team captain for the Rams and a two-time team captain for MsStix U18-A.  At Mt. Rainier, Parsons was named the team’s Rookie of the Year in 2004, Best Defensive Player in 2005, and Best Offensive Player in 2006.  She also received All-Seamount League honors for four straight-years, making the second team this year.

“I decided to attend MSUB because I loved the friendly people,” said Parsons.  “From the moment I got there I felt like I was at home.  The campus was beautiful, the softball team was great, and the business program seemed like the right fit.  Overall, I had a great visit and enjoyed everyone at MSUB.”

Montana State-Billings will officially join the GNAC on July 1, 2007.  The Yellowjackets were 26-24 overall this season and finished third in the Heartland Conference with a 10-5 record.  MSUB played nine games against GNAC teams this year, going 6-3.  The Jackets were 1-0 against GNAC champion Western Washington and 3-0 against GNAC runner-up Western Oregon.  NCAA West Region finalist Seattle University handed MSUB two losses, including a 2-1 defeat in the semifinals of the Central Washington Invitational.