Lousville, Ky. - The National Fastpitch Coaches' Association announced 147 student-athletes from 62 programs have received 2022 NFCA NAIA All-Region accolades.
The awards honor student-athletes from the Association's six regions with selection to one of two teams. NFCA member head coaches nominate and then vote for the winners in their respective region.
Five members of the Central Methodist softball program landed on NAIA Region V first and second teams.
Senior pitcher Keighlan Cronin, freshman pitcher Mykala Johnico, and sophomore shortstop Madison White earned first-team honors, while the duo of Katelyn Kiser and Micaela Harcrow landed on the second team.
Cronin served as Central's ace in 2022, tallying a 22-4 overall record which included 21 compete games. Through 168.1 innings of work, the native of St. Charles, Mo. racked up 194 total K's and a 1.33 earned run average. In addition, she tossed a perfect game against No. 24 Central Baptist College back on Feb. 12.
Cronin leaves the program as the career record holder in strikeouts (615), a three-time Heart First Team All-Conference selection, and the 2021 Heart Pitcher of the Year.
Johnico had a remarkable freshman campaign, posting a perfect 16-0 record through 17 appearances. She finished the year with a 1.34 earned run average including 170 strikeouts.
Johnico tossed three no hitters, and was twice named the Heart Pitcher of the Week. For her efforts this spring, the native of Topeka, Kan. landed on the Heart All-Conference First Team and was named the Heart Freshman of the Year. In addition, Johnico is a finalist for the NFCA-NAIA Freshman of the Year award.
White rounds out the first team selections for the Eagles, as the Columbia, Mo. native was named the Heart Player of the Year in only her second season with Central. She led the team in numerous offensive categories including; home runs (15), doubles (16), hits (67), RBI (51), batting average (.438), and slugging percentage (.837). White was named the Heart Player of the Week on April 18 after recording a .632 batting average, with 10 RBI, four doubles, and three home runs.
Kiser earned second team honors for the first time in her career. The 2022 Heart First Team All-Conference performer appeared in 48 games as Central's primary third basemen. She finished her sophomore campaign batting .374 with nine doubles, four home runs and 36 RBI.
Harcrow is the second and final Eagle to earn second team honors, as the sophomore outfielder batted .418 and drove in 41 runs. Overall, she talled 61 hits, including 14 for extra bases. Harcrow is now a two-time Heart First Team All-Conference selection and a two-time Second Team All-Region honoree.
As a team, Central finished the year sweeping the regular season and tournament championships for the first time since the 2014 season. In addition, the Eagles advanced to the Opening Round Championship of the Bowling Green bracket as the No. 1 seed in this year's NAIA National Championship.
All five Eagles move forward to be considered for selection for the two NFCA NAIA All-America squads, which will be announced on June 7.
To view the complete list of NAIA-NFCA All-Region teams, please click here.
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