Softball Announces Signees for Class of 2025

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Marshall softball head coach Megan Smith Lyon announced the signing of six players to the Thundering Herd family on Monday.

The newest freshmen class for Marshall softball consists of Rielly Lucas, McKenna "Bub" Feringa, Brooklyn Ulrich, Alex Coleman and twin sisters Lauren and Laney Love.

Rielly Lucas is an infielder from right here in Huntington and attends Cabell Midland High School. Lucas is a two-time member of the Class AAA West Virginia All-State team and the Mountain State Athletic Conference (MSAC) team. During the 2019 season she bat .525, sported a .650 on base percentage and slugs 1.124. Over her career, Lucas has hit 15 home runs, driven in 70 runs, scored 65 runs and has been walked 45 times. She helped lead her team to the 2017 MSAC Championship. Lucas has played travel ball for the Ohio Outlaws and was invited to play in the All-Star game in Boulder, Colo., and was an All-Star Select in 2018 at the Triple Crown Fireworks Tournament.

Lucas chose Marshall because, "It instantly became my choice once I stepped on campus in September 2019. I had been on many unofficial visits in years past but this was different. Once I met with the coaches and spent the weekend with the current team, the feeling of home had a huge impact on me. The coaches made me feel so at ease. I couldn't imagine playing anywhere else but here."

"Rielly is one of the best players in the state and we are so excited that she decided to stay home," coach Smith Lyon said. "She has incredible power and brings a tremendous amount of athleticism on offense and defense. She is a tireless worker who pushes herself to be the best while being an extraordinary teammate."

McKenna "Bub" Feringa comes to the Herd from Glendale, Ariz., and attends Cactus High School. Feringa has made her impact as a pitcher and a hitter. She was named the 2018 Peoria Unified School District Player of the Year, is a two-time First Team All-State selection and a three-time First Team All-Conference honoree. Feringa has helped lead her team to the 4A Arizona State Championship twice, finishing as the runner-up in both. She was also listed in the Extra Innings Class of 2021 Top 100 at No. 71. Feringa has had success with her travel ball squad as 2014 USSSA 10U Champions, 2015 Colorado Sparkler Junior 12U Champions, 2018 Colorado Sparkler 14U Power Pool Champions and a third place finish in 2018 at the PGF 14U.

Feringa chose Marshall because, "I feel like I am a part of something special. The Herd softball team is taking it to the next level. The teams are built to compete at the highest level. I wanted to be part of a great team that is willing to work hard together and win. I also really liked the hometown feel of Huntington and the four seasons. The coaches and players were very welcoming and I could really see myself being part of the Marshall family. Another thing that I especially like is that Marshall is filled with history and tradition. Every game is played for something bigger."

"Bub will make a big impact both as a pitcher, hitter, and teammate," coach Smith Lyon said. "She will be a dynamic hitter in our line-up with the ability to hit for average and power. She brings a calm and poised demeanor to the circle and will be a great addition to our pitching staff. Her selflessness and how she approaches the game is a perfect fit with our core values as a program."

Brooklyn Ulrich comes to Marshall from Mesa, Ariz., under 30 miles away from where Feringa grew up, and attends Red Mountain High School. Ulrich is an infielder that brings speed and power to the plate. During her high school career she has hit .354, with 70 hits, 55 runs scored, 44 RBI, 11 doubles, six triples and two home runs. Before her junior year was cut short due to the COVID-19 shutdown, Ulrich had already scored eight runs, hit three doubles, one home run and driven in seven runs in just nine games. She helped lead her travel ball team to the PGF Premier Berth driving in the winning run.

Ulrich chose Marshall because, "I love the idea of living somewhere completely different than where I live now. The opportunity to live in a place with all four seasons is very exciting. The culture that the coaches and players have created drew me to the school."

"Anyone who watches Brooklyn's team play leaves the field remembering her," Coach Smith Lyon said. "She plays with a tremendous amount of energy and passion and is a true leader on the field. Her versatility on defense will be a huge addition and her ability to use her speed and power as a hitter will be very dynamic."

Alex Coleman comes to the Herd from Asheboro, N.C., and attends Southwestern Randolph High School. Coleman is an outfield/utility player and during her sophomore season she bat .520, had an on base percentage of .540 and scored 24 runs. She has helped lead her team in the postseason finishing second her freshman year and first in her sophomore season. During the 2020 season with her travel ball team, the Carolina Cardinals, Coleman bat .400, scored 33 runs, drove in 16 and had 15 stolen bases. She helped the Cardinals finish as the 2020 PGF State Champions.

Coleman chose Marshall because, "when I came up for a visit it felt like home. Everyone made me feel super welcomed. The community is one like no other. The town loves the school and lives for the athletics. Yes, Marshall has a great football program, but the softball program is well respected at Marshall as well. I am very excited to see what coach Smith Lyon, coach Lyon and coach Holub will do with the program in the upcoming years."

"Alex will bring a lot of athleticism and versatility to our line-up, and her speed will be a great compliment to our offensive power," coach Smith Lyon said. "She plays the game with toughness and grit and brings a lot of energy to the field. We can't wait to have that energy at The Dot!"

Lauren and Laney Love will be the seventh set of sisters, and second set of twins, to suit up for the Herd softball program. They both come to Marshall from Matthews, N.C., under 80 miles away from where Coleman grew up, and attend Porter Ridge High School. The twins helped lead their school to a conference championship. The two also went back-to-back with home runs in 2019. They have had success in travel ball as their team finished 2019 ranked No. 18 in the country and won berths to national tournaments.

Lauren Love is an infielder and has been named Player of Year, Offensive MVP, All-Conference and All-District. During her high school career she has bat .542, including hitting .612 her sophomore year, and was off to another great start before the 2020 season was shut down. She has also recorded 65 hits, 48 runs, 57 RBI, 15 doubles, four triples and 13 home runs. Lauren chose Marshall because, "I have always wanted to find a college that treats their team as family and that is what Marshall represents. I also love the history and the story line behind Marshall University. A school and community full of unity."

"Lauren's grit and toughness are what makes her a special player," coach Smith Lyon said. "She is the epitome of dynamite—she might be a small package, but she is extremely explosive both on offense and defense! The way she plays the game and her offensive power make her a perfect fit for Marshall."

Laney Love is also an infielder and has been named Defensive MVP as well as being an All-Conference selection. Along with being a steady defensive presence, she has been improving each year at the plate. Laney was off to a great start in 2020 before the season was shut down, batting .571 with a double, one triple, two runs and two RBI in just two games. Laney has spent some time in the circle as well during her high school career. She chose Marshall because, "As soon as I got there it felt like home to me. I love my coaches and how much of a family they are at Marshall."

"Just like her twin sister, Laney brings an extraordinary amount of explosiveness and energy to the field," coach Smith Lyon said. "Laney is an aggressive and fearless infielder who always plays the game with so much toughness. We are so excited to watch her make a huge impact in our line-up!"

For all of the latest information on the Marshall Softball team, follow the Herd on Twitter @HerdSB, Facebook at Marshall University Softball and on www.herdzone.com.

To follow all Thundering Herd sports and get live stats, schedules, and free live audio, download the Marshall Athletics App for iOS or Android!

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