A new era of SF State softball began Monday with the announcement of a new head coach after a month-and-a-half-long search.

Lisa Allen, an accoladed transplant from Division II Montana State University Billings, was named to succeed head coach Cristina Byrne, who led the team for seven years, according to SF State’s Athletics website. Allen will inherit a squad that posted a 12-40 record last season and graduated three of its starting infielders.

During her four-year stint as MSUB’s head coach, Allen led her team to two winning seasons and an NCAA Division II National Championship berth in 2012, according to the MSUB’s Athletics website. Her last year at the helm netted 31 wins for the Yellowjackets.

As a player, Allen garnered all-Pac-10 honors twice while competing at Oregon State. She also competed professionally in American and Austrian national leagues.