Six Bears Earn All-Big Sky Honors, Walling Named Tri-Top Newcomer of the Year

GREELEY, Colo. – The Big Sky Conference announced its 2024 softball postseason honors Monday, with six Northern Colorado student-athletes receiving recognition. First baseman Amailee Morales and shortstop Krista Francia headlined the selections as First Team All-Big Sky honorees. Additionally, third baseman Katie Walling was named Tri-Top Newcomer of the Year, sharing the honor with Idaho State's Kasey Aguinaga and Sacramento State's Lafulafu Melepeai. Walling, along with catcher Sabrina Javorsky, second baseman Jaycie Gandert, and pitcher Anna Wilming, also earned All-Big Sky Honorable Mention accolades.

Morales and Francia were the driving forces behind Northern Colorado's offense this season, while Walling's breakout performance in her debut season with the Bears added another dynamic threat.

FIRST TEAM ALL-BIG SKY
Amailee Morales | 1B | Jr. | Surprise, Ariz.
A star in her junior campaign, Morales was one of the most feared hitters in the Big Sky. She posted a .382 batting average and led the Bears with 13 home runs, 31 RBIs, and a staggering .756 slugging percentage. Morales also drew 28 walks and reached base at a .491 clip, producing an elite 1.247 OPS across 44 starts.

Krista Francia | SS | Jr. | Surprise, Ariz.
Francia delivered a strong season for the Bears as a consistent and versatile presence. Starting all 42 games she appeared in, she batted .346 with eight doubles, three home runs, 23 RBIs, and five stolen bases. Francia's all-around offensive game and sure-handed defense anchored the middle infield for UNC.

ALL-BIG SKY HONORABLE MENTION
Sabrina Javorsky | C | Sr. | Ladera Ranch, Calif.
A staple behind the plate for the Bears, Javorsky capped her career with a productive senior season. She hit .273 with 33 hits, six doubles, three home runs, and 25 RBIs. Her leadership and game management were vital components of UNC's defensive setup.

Jaycie Gandert | 2B | Sr. | Rio Rancho, N.M.
Gandert impressed in her senior campaign, contributing both offensively and defensively. In 33 games, she hit .274 with 20 hits, two triples, and five RBIs, while adding three stolen bases. Her performance earned her a spot among the league's top infielders.

Katie Walling | 3B | Jr. | San Diego, Calif. | Tri-Top Newcomer of the Year
Walling showcased her hitting ability in her junior season, finishing with a .353 average, 13 doubles, four home runs, and 23 RBIs. She led the team in hits (53) and added 10 stolen bases while maintaining a .933 OPS.

Anna Wilming | P | So. | Columbus, Ohio
Wilming served as the Bears' workhorse in the circle, compiling 93.2 innings across 25 appearances with 16 starts. She posted a 6–10 record, six complete games, two shutouts, and one save. The senior finished the season with a 5.23 ERA and 38 strikeouts.
The 2024 Big Sky postseason awards were voted on by the league's head coaches and highlight the top individual performances across the conference.

Individual Awards
Player of the Year: Ava Brown, Idaho State*
Pitcher of the Year: Kasey Aguinaga, Idaho State
Co-Freshman of the Year: Madison Evers-Lyles, Sac State/Sadie Kirk, Weber State
Tri-Top Newcomer of the Year: Kasey Aguinaga, Idaho State/Katie Walling, Northern Colorado/Lafulafu Melepeai, Sac State
Coach of the Year: Andrew Rich, Idaho State*
*Indicates unanimous decision

First Team All-Big Sky
Catcher: Jenna Kearns, Idaho State*
First Base: Amailee Morales, Northern Colorado*
Second Base: Sadie Kirk, Weber State
Shortstop: Krista Francia, Northern Colorado
Third Base: Abby Grundy, Weber State
Outfield: Ava Brown, Idaho State*
Outfield: Gracie Smith, Idaho State*
Outfield: Alyssa Yee, Idaho State
Pitcher: Kasey Aguinaga, Idaho State
Pitcher: Lizzy Tommasini, Idaho State
Pitcher/UTL: Caroline Evans, Sac State
Non-Pitcher/UTL: Riley Whalen, Weber State

Second Team All-Big Sky
Catcher: Katie Marsh, Sac State
First Base: Kiaira Smith, Weber State
Second Base: Belle Navarrete, Idaho State
Shortstop: Camryn McDonald, Idaho State
Third Base: Madison Evers-Lyles, Sac State
Outfield: Lafulafu Melepeai, Sac State
Outfield: Presley Jantzi, Montana
Outfield: Andrea Lira, Sac State
Pitcher: Kennedie Magorian, Sac State
Pitcher: Cali McCraw, Weber State
Pitcher/UTL: Sherreigh Nakoa-Chung, Portland State
Non-Pitcher/UTL: Shannon Garcia, Sac State

All-Big Sky Honorable Mention
Catcher: Sabrina Javorsky, Northern Colorado
Catcher: Eva Richardson, Weber State
First Base: Kennedy Dudley, Idaho State
First Base: Alex Carino, Sac State
Second Base: Jaycie Gandert, Northern Colorado
Second Base: Jenna Birch, Sac State
Shortstop: Taegan Smith, Weber State
Shortstop: Anna Cockhill, Montana
Third Base: Katie Walling, Northern Colorado
Third Base: Brooke Peterson, Idaho State
Outfield: Olivia Birkinshaw, Weber State
Outfield: Ellie Babbitt, Portland State
Pitcher: Anna Wilming, Northern Colorado
Pitcher: Alexa Ortiz, Sac State
Pitcher/UTL: Raina Navarro, Weber State
Non-Pitcher/UTL: Olivia Robinson, Idaho State

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Players Mentioned

Krista Francia

Jaycie Gandert

Sabrina Javorsky

Amailee Morales

Katie Walling

Anna Wilming

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