LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Simmons softball right-handers senior Maddie Castigliego and first-year Piper Kinney garnered NFCA All-Region accolades announced by the coaching organization Friday afternoon.

Castigliego became the first player to be selected to the NFCA All-Region First Team since Emily Cunningham was named to the first team in 2012. Posting a 17-9 record this season, the Rhode Island native garnered GNAC Pitcher of the Year while receiving all-conference first team honors. At the beginning of the season in a 10-2 win over St. Vincent she earned her 300^th career strikeout then in the conference title game against Lasell University picked up strikeout number 400. Additionally, she helped her own cause at the plate, posting a .317 batting average with six doubles, four triples and two homeruns and 33 RBI from the middle of the line-up.  

Kinney joined her fellow pitcher earning regional recognition being selected to the NFCA All-Region Third Team. In the process, she became the first Simmons first-year to receive the regional accolades since Lauren Backhaus was selected to the NFCA Second Team in 2012. Earlier this month, Kinney was named to the All-GNAC Third Team and as one of four first-years selected to the GNAC Rookie Team.

The award honors student-athletes from the Association's 10 regions with selection to one of three teams. NFCA member head coaches nominate and then vote for the winners in their respective region. 

If they were not already voted to an All-Region squad, conference Players and Pitchers of the Year from member institutions are added to the third team in their region, so long as they are nominated by their member head coach and receive votes.

All honorees move forward to be considered for selection for the three NFCA Division III All-America squads, which will be announced May 31 online and on-site at the NCAA Division III Finals banquet in Marshall, Texas.