LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) released its 2024 NAIA All-Region teams last week, with Red Raider softball players Kameryn Etherington and Gwen Mikkelsen receiving Region IV First Team recognition.
Etherington earned her third career NFCA All-Region award, being selected in three-straight years. A selection as the NAIA Region IV First Team Utility/Pitcher, Etherington was one of the top two-way players in the conference and the country this season. At the plate, she led the Raiders in average* (.388), OPS* (1.061), slugging percentage* (.592), and RBIs (44). She was as dominant in the circle, compiling an ERA of 1.01 with 140 strikeouts and 24 wins. Etherington finishes her career as the all-time strikeouts (610) and wins (83) leader at Northwestern.
Mikkelsen picked up her second First Team All-Region honor as a third baseman this season. One year removed from being named the GPAC Player of the Year, she put together another strong season, hitting .367 with an OPS of 1.017, a slugging percentage of .557, and 32 RBIs. She played in all 57 games on the left side of the infield, starting 56. Perhaps most impressive was Mikkelsen’s 25 walks to only six strikeouts this year. Mikkelsen enters next season in a tie at the top of the career doubles list (55).
It is the second consecutive year that both Etherington and Mikkelsen have received NFCA All-Region honors.
Dordt’s Chloe Kreuz (Freshman; Rutherfordton, North Carolina) was named to the Region IV Second Team.
Kreuz led the team offensively with a team high .364 batting average to go with 59 hits, 11 doubles, three triples and 32 runs batted in while scoring 30 runs. Kreuz posted a 12-10 pitching record with a 3.79 earned run average while striking out 50 and pitched a team high 142.1 innings. Kreuz was also named to the All-GPAC First Team.
All honorees move forward to be considered for selection for the two NFCA NAIA All-America teams, which will be announced June 6.
