LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The National Fastpitch Coaches Association has announced that 79 student-athletes from 37 programs have received 2022 NFCA/NJCAA Division II All-Region accolades, a list that includes three Northwest student-athletes.
Freshman infielder
McKaylee Polk and sophomore outfielder
Saige Koczka earned first-team recognition for the South region, while sophomore outfielder
Laila Armstrong received second-team honors. The awards, which were announced on Memorial Day honor softball student-athletes from the association's three regions with first and second-team recognition. NFCA member coaches from each respective region voted on the teams and all the honorees are eligible for selection to the 2022 NFCA/NJCAA Division All-America squads.
Polk compiled a stellar freshman season both in the field and at the plate, leading the team in nearly every hitting category for most of the season. The Senatobia product concluded her strong debut with a .397 batting average, which included a team-best 19 doubles and 18 home runs. She accounted for a .822 slugging percentage and a team-best 61 runs batted in, while posting a .928 fielding percentage.
Koczka was a repeat selection to the NFCA South Region team, after garnering similar recognition last year. The reigning NFCA and NJCAA All-American capped off her Northwest career with another All-American-worthy season, finishing .433 at the plate with 15 doubles, three triples, 12 home runs and 55 RBIs, including a .766 slugging percentage. The Southaven native and Memphis commit also accounted for 52 putouts for a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage in right field.
Armstrong earned second-team recognition after an impressive sophomore season. The Olive Branch native and Tennessee State signee batted .406 with nine doubles and 28 RBIs, while also leading the team with 47 stolen bases in 49 attempts, shattering the single-season and career records in that category. Her skills in center field were also noteworthy, as she totaled 68 putouts with only one error committed, finishing with a .986 fielding percentage.
All-American recognition will be announced on Friday, June 3. Voting will be conducted by head coaches that are members of the NFCA.
