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 two more players to the 2022-2023 roster.
They include Avery Romans and Mara Lakey. Both are pitchers from Republic.
Romans, a 2021 graduate of Republic High School, is transferring to the Grizzlies after playing one season for Region 16 rival Mineral Area College in Park Hills.
During her high school career, Romans was a two-year All-Central Ozarks Conference team honoree and earned Class 4 District 11 and Class 4 All-Region honors.
“We are excited to have Avery Romans sign at Missouri State-West Plains,” Long said. “Avery will be a key player and huge leader on the mound for the Grizzlies.”
Lakey, a 2022 graduate of Republic High School, hit eight home runs, 30 RBIs and batted .471 during her senior season.
From the mound, she had an earned run average of 2.3 with 60 strikeouts and a 1.4 WHIP (walks and hits per inning pitched). She also set the single game RBI record this past season.
She received first team all-district, first team all-conference and first team all-region honors for her efforts.
“Mara is a left-handed power hitter and pitcher who finds herself in the middle of the lineup. We look forward to how she will mature at the collegiate level,” Long said.
For more information about the Grizzly Softball team, visit the team’s Facebook page, Facebook.com/GrizzlySB, or MSUWPGrizzlies.com.
