WESSON – Copiah-Lincoln Community College softball head coach Allen Kent has announced eight new signees for the 2014 Lady Wolves signing class.

Signees include Mattie Avants, Brittany Barbay, Lauren Brasier, McKenzie Brock, Greta Carley, Jessica Crum, Lucy Lewis, and Kaitlyn Taylor.

Avants plays for the Bogue Chitto Lady Bobcats and has been part of two state championship teams for Coach Scott Leggett. Kent sees her playing multiple positions at Co-Lin and is most excited about adding her speed and quickness to his team.

“Mattie is a versatile athlete that can play in the outfield or infield and she’s continuing to develop as a slapper at the plate,” said Kent. Avants follows in the footsteps of her sister, Candace, who was part of a 2008 Co-Lin team that finished NJCAA National Runners Up.

Barbay plays for the Zachary (LA) High Lady Broncos and was All-District as a sophomore and junior. She plays third base and handles the position with a fearlessness that caught Kent’s eye early in her high school career.

“Brittany stood out the first time I saw her as a freshman. She’s strong with a steady glove and there is a family connection with her mom, Kathy, being a former Colette,” said Kent.

Brashier plays for the Heidelberg Academy Lady Rebels and was selected as an MAIS All-Star this season. As a pitcher, Brashier has thrown 15 career no-hitters and one perfect game. Kent sees her contributions coming on the field as well as in the circle.

“Lauren has great experience as a pitcher, but she also swings the bat really well. She will definitely be able to help us when she’s not pitching,” said Kent.

Brock plays for the North Pike Lady Jaguars and was All-District as a sophomore and junior. Brock is a switch-hitting outfield that Kent believes possess the right mix of athleticism and instincts. “McKenzie covers a lot of ground in the outfield and her speed at the plate puts a lot of pressure on a defense. We’re really looking forward to her contributing to our program,” said Kent.

Carley plays for the Columbia Academy Lady Cougars and was selected as an MAIS All-Star this season. In a signing class filled with speed, Kent thinks Carley might be the fastest of the group.

“Greta might be the fastest player I’ve signed in my 12 years here. She’s got great instincts as an outfielder and we can’t wait to see what she can do on the base-paths in our league,” said Kent.

Crum plays for the Dutchtown (LA) High Lady Griffins and was selected All-State as a junior. A catcher, Crum provides power at the plate, 11 homeruns as a senior, which has her future coach extremely excited.

“Jessica has tremendous power and as a catcher she can read hitters and work well with her pitchers. She was recruited by some bigger schools, but we’re very happy that she decided to start her career at Co-Lin,” said Kent.

Lewis plays for the Denham Springs Lady Yellowjackets and was selected All-District as a junior. Lewis will work as a pitcher and provides depth to the staff. “Lucy had a great summer for her travel team and she’s really come along as a pitcher since we’ve been watching her,” said Kent. Lewis is a former high school teammate of fellow signee Barbay. She transferred to Denham Springs from Zachary after her junior season.

Taylor plays for the Copiah Academy Lady Colonels and was selected as an MAIS All-Star this season after leading her team to a state championship. A pitcher, Taylor was selected as the MAIS AAA Player of the Year.

“We are thrilled to have KT join our program. She is versatile as a fielder, she throws hard with command in the circle, and she has a championship pedigree after winning three state titles at Copiah,” said Kent.

This signing class will join a group of athletic freshman and gives Kent a team that he can’t wait to coach in 2015. “The speed, athleticism, and versatility of this group is second to none. They are all winners on the field and we feel like they’re going to fit in perfect at Co-Lin as student-athletes,” said Kent.