Lady Jacket Softball Adds Two Players (May 24, 2005)

BILLINGS, MT – Montana State-Billings softball coach Jeff Aumend announced this week that two more players have signed national letters of intent to play for the Yellowjackets.  Rebekah Tsatsa of Eagle, Idaho, and Randi Sandifer of Spokane, Wash., will join the Jackets next season.

Tsatsa is a pitcher who will graduate from Eagle High School this spring.  She helped her team to three straight Idaho 5A state titles, winning in her freshman, sophomore and junior seasons.  Eagle HS also qualified for the state tournament this year.  Tsatsa was a first team all-conference selection and also earned NFCA All-America Scholar Athlete honors.

“Rebekah is the hardest worker we’ve recruited,” said Aumend.  “She travels about five hours to Seattle to play ASA summer ball on a Gold team.  Her control is great, she changes speed, and her velocity is well above average.  She’s a gamer who can make an impact, next year.”

Sandifer is a catcher and outfielder who will graduate from Shadle Park High School.  She batted over .500 during the regular season and had a 15 game hitting streak.  Sandifer led the Greater Spokane League for batting average in the regular season and helped Shadle Park to the conference championship.

“Randi is the best hitter in our recruiting class,” said Aumend.  “She hits all pitches to all fields and hits with power.  Her summer team, the Spokane Sliders, finished ninth in the nation last year and she was a big part of that. She’s developing as a top-notch catcher and could play catcher and outfield in college.”

The Yellowjackets were 36-14 overall in 2005 and qualified for the NCAA Tournament for the first time in the program’s five year history.  The Jackets finished third at the NCAA West Regional, losing in the semifinals to eventual champion San Francisco State.  MSU Billings graduated nine seniors, including three pitchers and two catchers.