SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- Augustana head softball coach Gretta Melsted is pleased to announce the addition of five student-athletes to the 2019 freshman class. All five high school seniors have signed National Letters of Intent and will enroll at Augustana in the fall of 2019 to compete for the Vikings softball program.

"This is an incredibly athletic, strong, and powerful recruiting class. In this class, we have a little bit of everything: speed, power, defense, and pitching.  This class is extremely well-rounded and will certainly carry on the tradition of Augustana softball. I'm really excited about the power this class adds to our roster. More important than their athletic ability, we have found a class that truly fits our institution. A group that values learning, the liberal arts, and excellence and does so with the utmost of integrity." A four-time letter winner, three-year starter and two-time All-State 1st team selection, Brink posted a batting average of .499, 73 RBI's and 15 homers in her first three seasons at Rapid City Stevens High School. She hit .457 her first season, .524 her second and .517 her third season. Brink brings many accolades into her senior season as a Rapid City Stevens Raider, including, 1st team All-Tournament, Offensive Player of the Year and MVP.

Brink plans to study Biology at Augustana with hopes of becoming a chiropractor.

Melsted on Brink:
"I have known Gracey for years. She is one of the most coachable and respectful players you can find.  She is also a very complete player. She is extremely athletic, has pop in her bat, and can play multiple defensive positions. Her instincts and speed, especially on the base paths make Gracey a game changer."
Chute comes to Augustana looking to take her stance behind the plate as a catcher for the Vikings. Chute, a Stillwater High School Ponies student-athlete, posted a school record as a junior, hitting 10 home runs The 2018 '4A' State Champions, she helped her team finish with a record of 10-3 and earned All-Conference, All-Section, 3rd Team All-Metro, and All-State Tournament team her junior season. Over her three high school seasons, she has earned All-Conference three times and was a player of the state finalist while batting .455.

Chute is undecided on her major but is leaning towards Sports Management or Business while at Augustana.

Melsted of Chute:
"Between Ava, Olivia, and Torri, I believe we landed the top hitters in the state of Minnesota.  The sound the ball makes coming off Torri's bat makes heads turn. She can hit both for average and for power. Defensively, she is a very smooth catcher and also can play first base."
Dueck comes to Augustana from Maple Grove, Minn. as a pitcher for the Vikings. As a junior, she helped her team to a record of 17-7 and had a batting average of .494.  As a junior, Dueck was named All-Conference, All-Section, and 3rd Team All-State. She also knocked the ball out of the park three times her junior season. Dueck looks to keep her success going into her senior season this spring

Dueck plans to major in biology at Augustana.

Melsted on Dueck:
"Ava is an up and coming pitcher who is just starting to hit her stride.  She is very athletic and will be dominant at this level. In true Augie fashion, Ava is not just a pitcher but a power hitter.  She will be a force on the mound and in the hitting lineup her entire career."

  Coming to Augustana as a utility player, the Minnesota native totaled 63 RBI's, 60 runs and two home runs in her first three years as a Tiger at Farmington High School. She also racked up accolades through her first three years at Farmington, earning All-Section, All-Conference, second team All-State, and second-team All-Metro her junior year. Going into her senior season, she has racked up 266 at-bats and has played in 538 innings as a Farmington Tiger.

Hazelbaker and the Tigers posted a 19-7 record last season and were the '1AAAA' section runner-up.

Hazelbaker plans on majoring in nursing at Augustana in hopes of one day becoming a nurse practitioner.

Melsted on Hazelbaker:
"Olivia can flat out hit and I mean hit. She squares the ball up so well against all types of pitching. She is athletic and also has an extremely strong arm. I highly expect strong power numbers for Olivia throughout her career."
  Lindner comes to Augustana from down the road at O'Gorman High School. The Sioux Falls native posted a batting average of .390 as a senior. Lindner only played one season of high school softball as she also played volleyball, which is played during the same season in South Dakota. For her High School volleyball team, Lindner was a captain, starter and letter-winner.  On her club softball team, the Sioux Falls Steele, Linder hit .390 while at the plate 146 times. Lindner also had an on-base percentage of .491 while apart of the Steele.

The outfielder plans to study Business Administration at Augustana.

Melsted on Lindner:
"Bergen is another player that I have known for years from our camps and clinics. Bergen is such a hard worker who possesses drive, determination and focus not common to people her age. She is a contact hitter who also is quick on the bases. Look for her in the outfield."