CHICO – With over a dozen new players joining the Chico State softball team next spring, competition for several vacant starting positions is sure to be fierce. The talent level of the team’s many infielders, in particular, will provide Head Coach Angel Shamblin the happy challenge of determining who will appear on the season-opening lineup card next February. Kayla Barber is a name that should figure prominently into the infield mix, as the junior transfer from College of the Sequoias commits to the ’Cats for 2013.

A sure-handed second baseman last season for Sequoias, Barber appeared in 41 games for the Giants, batting .356 while knocking in 27 runs and stealing six bases. An outstanding contact hitter, Barber struck out only six times in 118 at-bats in 2012 to help lead the Giants to the California Community College Athletic Association Northern Super Regionals.

Barber has enjoyed success in the pitcher’s circle as well. As a freshman, the righthander fashioned a 10-4 record and 2.99 earned run average for College of the Sequoias in 2011.

Barber earned four letters as a pitcher-outfielder at Liberty High School in Madera. She was named the North Sequoia League’s MVP and to the Fresno Bee’s All-Bee Team in 2010 while playing a key role in the Hawks capturing back-to-back section championships.