Walter, a 5-4 native of Watsonville, Calif., played two years of softball at San Jose State in 2000 and 2001. A second team all-Western Athletic Conference selection during her sophomore year, Walter combined to start 120 games in her two years with the Spartans. A middle infielder, she will play primarily at second base with the Hornets, according to head coach Kathy Strahan.

Walter hit .214 (65-304) at San Jose State while accumulating four home runs, 22 RBIs and 33 sacrifices. She led the team in sacrifices both seasons as she recorded 17 as a freshman, the seventh-highest total in school history. Walter, who was a 1999 graduate of Monte Vista Christian High School in Watsonville, was also named WAC Player of the Week during the 2001 season.

“Amy has already proven herself as a legitimate player at the Div. I level,” Strahan said. “She received all-WAC honors, so she’s already made an impression in a very good conference. She’s a competitive athlete who knows what it takes to be successful and get it done at this level.”

O’Neill is currently in her fourth season as the starting varsity catcher at Elk Grove’s Sheldon High School. The 5-5 native of Elk Grove, Calif., received all-league honors as a junior after leading Sheldon to the 2001 Delta League championship. Sheldon High School also made appearances in the section playoffs in 1999 and 2001.

O’Neill, who throws and bats left-handed, is also the starting catcher for the Running Rebels’ 18-under Gold club team. She will be used as both a catcher and outfielder at Sacramento State, according to Strahan.

“Joanna will be a great all-around player for us and we’re very happy to have her,” Strahan said. “She’ll provide great leadership, depth at catcher and she’s extremely fast in the outfield.”

Walter and O’Neill mark the fourth and fifth Sacramento State softball signees of the year, joining Amanda Moreland, Stephanie Lockhart and Britany Crine who were inked during the early signing period.