STEPHENVILLE - A pair of junior college standouts have signed on to continue their collegiate softball careers at Tarleton State next season.

Ashley Noak and Jaclyn Bechtle are currently key pieces for No. 11 San Jacinto College in the Region XIV Tournament at Angelina College in Lufkin.

"Both of these players will bring a great deal of athleticism and softball savvy to our team," said Tarleton head coach Julie Mata. "They come from such a well-coached San Jacinto team in which Coach Kelly Saenz led them to over 40 wins and a national ranking. Their experience and success will really blend well with the returners and other signees that will comprise our 2013 roster."

Noak, a 5-6 catcher from Danbury, hit .428 at the plate this season for SJC with 23 doubles, a triple, two homers and 52 RBIs as well as earning back-to-back National Junior College Athletic Association Region XIV player of the week awards in March and April.

At her time in Danbury, she led the Panthers to the 2011 state championship while also being named Max Preps all-nation second-team. She was first-team all-state, all-county MVP and district MVP.

"I'm so glad Ashley will be joining us next season," said Mata. "She is such an excellent defensive catcher and field general. Her offensive game is top notch and she is a run producer, as evident by the number of RBIs she put up with (SJC) as a freshman. Her personality and love for the game are going to fit in so nicely with our program."

Bechtle, a 5-7 infielder from Pearland, hit .403 with 13 doubles, two triples, 44 RBIs and a team-high 10 home runs. She also earned the NJCAA Region XIV player of the week award this season.

Before an all-conference second-team freshman season at SJC, Bechtle led Pearland to four straight district championships and a state championship in 2010. She was the 2010 state championship MVP and Max Preps all-american as a senior.

"Jaclyn is another outstanding signee for our program," said Mata. "She brings power, consistency and run production to our offense. She is a tough defender and brings versatility that will no doubt have her plugging in somewhere on the field and make a big difference to our team."

Noak and Bechtle join Grandview outfielder Melody Mayse, Fort Worth Brewer outfielder Alyssa Pearson and Stephenville pitcher Katelyn Conlee in the 2013 recruiting class.