MSU Billings’ Brittanee Fisher, Allie Hughes lead all-GNAC softball picks

Seniors Brittanee Fisher and Allie Hughes led seven players from the Montana State University Billings softball team named all-Great Northwest Athletic Conference for the 2021 season as the league announced its award winners on Wednesday.

Fisher and Hughes, two of the team’s senior leaders, each garnered first-team all-conference selection after standout campaigns on the field. Freshman Brie Frazier and junior Sidney Pollard were second-team all-GNAC picks, while seniors Taylor Anderson and Hailee Gregerson and sophomore Marin Penney were honorable mention all-GNAC selections.

Fisher led the team and tied for the GNAC lead in home runs, matching her personal season best with 11 long balls despite the abbreviated, 36-game season. Fisher also led MSUB with 29 RBIs, which ranked her sixth in the GNAC, and with a slugging percentage of .705, which ranked her fourth. Fisher upped her career home run total to 31, which ranks her third in program history. She also ended the season with a career slugging percentage of .583, ranking her sixth in school history.

“Brit had a great year, stepping up her defense by covering more ground,” said MSUB head coach Lisa McKinney on the first baseman. “She continued to be a big part of our lineup, leading the team in home runs.”

Hughes was close behind Fisher, finishing the season with eight home runs and 24 RBIs while batting .263. Hughes reached base at a clip of .357 and slugged .547, while leading the team with 23 runs scored. Her 18 career home runs rank her tied for No. 13 in program history as well. Both Hughes and Fisher will return for the 2022 spring season, retaining eligibility from the pandemic-shortened 2020 season.

“Allie continued to be a consistent bat in our lineup,” McKinney said. “She came up with several clutch hits and grabs in the outfield. We look forward to having Brittanee and Allie back next season.”