NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State softball coach Donald Pickett added two more early signees Thursday to increase his total class to seven players.

Houston-area infielders Elyssa Hernandez and Cayla Jones signed with the Lady Demons on the second day of the early signing period.

Both players competed with the Impact Gold travel team.

Hernandez, a two-time all-district player who led Spring High School to three straight playoff appearances, was honored by VYPE Magazine this past season.

"Hernandez will be on the left side of the infield, either shortstop or third base," Pickett said. "We need depth on that side.
"She's athletic and is a great competitor. She has a strong arm and moves well."

Jones is projected to be a middle infielder at NSU after an impressive career at Elkins High School in Missouri City, Texas.

The two-time all-district player was picked as an academic all-state selection and was the VYPE Magazine runner-up for softball player of the year.

"Cayla is a good left-handed bat," Pickett said. "She has power and speed from the left side.

"We want to continue to build depth in the middle of our infield. Cayla can be one of those kids we turn to at the top of the lineup."

The two Texas natives join five Louisianans who inked with NSU on Wednesday.

The Lady Demons signed corner infielder Summer Atkins (Pickering High), pitcher E.C. Delafield (North DeSoto), pitcher Ryann Bizette (Catholic-Pointe Coupee), catcher Codi Vernace (Haynes Academy) and  utility player Baleigh Glover (Westlake) to start the early signing period.