WEST PLAINS, Mo. – Don Long, head coach of the Grizzly Softball team at Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP), has announced the signing of five more players to the 2022-2023 roster.
They include:
• Lauren Akin, Crane, second baseman
• Lexy Bridges, Diamond, first baseman
• Mackenzie Massey, Granby, shortstop
• Tessa Feeback, Fordland, utility player
• Brooklyn Atterberry, Plato, catcher
“We’re excited to add these talented players to our first roster,” Long said. “They bring a lot of athleticism and a strong desire to play ball for the Grizzlies.”
Akin helped lead her Crane High School Lady Pirates to its third district championship in four years in 2021. She batted .339, scored 21 runs and had 14 RBIs. “Lauren is a quick, hard-working, all-around good athlete,” Grizzly Softball Assistant Coach Amy Marshall said.
Bridges’ Lady Wildcats are currently ranked first in Class 2 and are coming off a fourth-place finish at state last season. So far this season she’s batting .397 with 22 RBIs and 18 stolen bases. “Lexy is physically one of the strongest athletes I have witnessed,” Long said.
Massey earned all-conference, all-district and all-state honors during the spring 2021 season and has helped lead her Lady Patriots to an 18-7 record this spring season. “Mackenzie is one of the best shortstops I have witnessed,” Long said.
Feeback earned all-district honors as a pitcher last spring and has helped her team post a 7-7 record so far this season. “Tessa is a solid fielder and hitter. She is a committed and enthusiastic player who devotes a lot of her time to softball. I am excited to have Tessa join us on our Grizzly Softball team,” Long said.
Atterberry and her Lady Eagles are 14-2 as they enter district play this season. “Brooklyn is a competitive catcher who has a lot of potential. She is a strong leader and dedicated athlete. I am looking forward to Brooklyn being a part of our team,” Long said.
These five will join four other players who already have signed with the Grizzlies. They include:
• Megan McCrackin, West Plains
• Trinity Elliott, Mountain Grove
• Aubrey Antle, Exeter
• Madison Good, Branson
For more information about the Grizzly Softball team, visit the team’s Facebook page, Facebook.com/GrizzlySB, or MSUWPGrizzlies.com.
