Three Western Nebraska Community College softball sophomores have already inked with four-year institutions to continue playing after this season.

                WNCC pitchers Andy Hancock and Whitney Fields, along with infielder Christian Bobian recently signed with Division II programs in the RMAC this month. Hancock inked with Colorado Mesa, Fields with Adams State, and Bobian with New Mexico Highlands.

                Now, instead of being teammates like they have been the last two years, the three will be opposing players.

                Bobian said it is going to be weird when she is on the other side of the plate staring at Hancock and Fields at their new school next year.

                "I think that will be very exciting," she said. "Off the field I adore these girls to death. On the field it comes down to business."

                Hancock, of Riverdale, Utah, and Fields, of Grantsville, Utah, both said the schools felt right for them.

                "I signed to go to Colorado Mesa because I thought it was the best choice for me. The program is good and I really wanted to be a part of it," Hancock said. "It is very exciting to continue my softball career. I love softball, I love playing, and I love meeting more girls."

                Fields' decision to attend Adams State was because of the program as well as the nursing program.

                "I choose Adams State because they have a great nursing program," Fields said. "I also really liked the campus."

                Bobian's decision to attend New Mexico Highlands stems from the fact it was a good academic school. She will also join former Cougar softball player Maddie Davis, who is a junior at New Mexico Highlands.

                "It makes it more comfortable for me [knowing Maddie is there]," Bobian said. "She told me about the program and what they do. It makes me comfortable of me knowing what I am going into. I know if she can do it, that I can do it."

                Another reason Bobian chose New Mexico Highlands is because of its proximity to her home.

                "I choose to go there because it is closer to home and I am a home-bodied person. It is closer so my family can see me play," Bobian said. "They are in a competitive conference, so that will make it more fun. I also felt at home when I visited there."

                All three players were key components in the Cougars' season a year ago, helping the team to a 56-14 record and a berth at the national tournament in St. George, Utah.

                Fields was 10-4 in the circle with a 3.07 ERA while striking out 82. Not only was Fields effective in the circle, she was a force at the plate, batting .355 with eight home runs, 36 RBIs, and 32 runs scored.

                "I like hitting because I haven't been hitting a lot as a pitcher," Fields said. "I was surprised with how I was hitting. I worked hard over the winter because I had a lot of mechanical errors and I worked to fix them."

                Hancock finished her freshman season with an impressive showing. Hancock finished 21-2 with a save, including eight complete games in 139 innings pitched. Hancock finished with an 1.96 ERA with 98 strikeouts. Hancock also had three home runs in 26 at bats for the Cougars.

                Bobian was the starting second baseman for the Cougars last season and had a banner season. She had a .917 fielding position, but was also effective at the plate, batting .338 with 17 doubles, four triples, a home run, 45 RBIs, 52 runs scored, and swiping 14 bases.

                All three said they have enjoyed their time as a Cougar and it will be hard to say goodbye after this season.

                "I wouldn't trade this experience here for anything," Bobian said. "I definitely matures as a person and an athlete so it was a fun experience with the girls here."

                For Fields, the experience that she lived at WNCC was unreal.

                "Last year was a great experience and we experienced a lot as a team," Fields said. "This year I have a lot of expectations and I want to experience new things in my new Cougar family."

                Same with Hancock and for the right-handed thrower, it was how last year's team came together to capture the program's first district title and fifth Region IX title.

                "I definitely had a great experience here and I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world," Hancock said. "My greatest moments here include last year winning the district title on our home field and celebrating with my teammates. It was just knowing all the hard work paying off.

                "I think I have grown a lot as a player and I definitely matured on the field and becoming more selfless on the field."

                Fields, Hancock, and Bobian are the first of the seven sophomores on this year's team to ink with four-year schools. The other four – Courtney Medina, Kenzie Sawyer, Desirae Visser, and Jade Morton – will also be involved in softball at the next level.