Nov. 18, 1999

Missouri head softball coach Jay Miller finished the early signing period by signing three infielders, all of whom could make an immediate impact when they join the Tiger squad next fall.

Jeni Schellert is a middle-infielder from St. Peters, Mo. She played on the St. Dominic High School team that placed third and fourth in the 1997 and 1998 MSHAA Tournaments. Last season she was named first team All-District and second team All-Metro. She holds single season records at St. Dominic in at bats, hits, doubles, homeruns and RBI. Her summer team, the Missouri Maniacs, placed 17th at ASA Gold Nationals this summer. Both Schellert's parents are Missouri alumni, and her brother is currently attending MU.

"It's my dream come true to play for Missouri," Schelert said.

Rachael McGinnis is a third/first baseman from Overland Park, Kan. She was named first team Eastern Kansas League for Blue Valley Northwest High School in 1997 and 1998. She was also named first team All-Metro and second team All-Sunflower League in 1999. Her summer team, the Olathe Peppers, has placed in the top 30 at ASA Nationals the past two years. She also helped lead the team to a second place finish in Aurora Fireworks, a 90-team national caliber tournament.

"It is a great honor to sign with a school with such potential that is already doing so well," McGinnis said. "I'm very excited to get to play at MU."

Ricki Walker plays third base, second base and shortstop for Smoky Hill High School in Aurora, Colo. She holds career and single season records in home runs, doubles, triples, batting average and fielding percentage. She is a three-time MVP for Smoky Hill and has been named first team All-Conference three years. Last season she was named to the All-State team. Her summer team, the Colorado Comets, finished the summer with a 152-12 record. They placed second at ASA Nationals and 13th at AFA Nationals.

"I am excited to come to Missouri," said Walker. "I know MU will make me a better player."

"We are very excited to add these talented players to our team," Miller said. "They should be able to come and make an impact for us right away. They will add depth in the infield as well as in our batting line up."

Miller is still looking at adding one or two players in the spring sign