[Ann Arbor, MI]  —   The National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) announced their All-Region teams for the 2023 softball season last Friday. Shannon McAlinden and Payton Lewis earned All-Region Second Team honors for their efforts on the field this season.

Shannon McAlinden picked up yet another honor for her outstanding season on the field. McAlinden produced both offensively and defensively, as she earned a spot on the WHAC All-Defensive team while also tying for the team lead in home runs (9) and runs batted in (53) and had sole possession of the team lead in runs scored (62). She was named to the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) All-Region and All-American teams earlier in the month, this is McAlinden's first selection to an NFCA All-Region team.

Payton Lewis had a fantastic season in her own right, collecting the WHAC Player of the Year award as well as a spot on the NCCAA All-Region and All-American teams. Lewis was top-5 in many offensive categories this season, including leading the team in base hits (90) and doubles (17). She also put together a nice season in the field as she also earned a spot on the WHAC All-Defensive team. This is Lewis's first selection to an NFCA All-Region team as well.

McAlinden and Lewis will join Sam Capuzzi as the only Cardinals to achieve NFCA accolades. Capuzzi earned 1st Team NFCA All-Region honors in 2016.