Five Bulldogs named to All-Pacific Region teams

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The National Fastpitch Coaches Association announced on Thursday that 667 student-athletes from 175 programs have received 2017 NFCA Division I All-Region accolades, including five Bulldogs to the All-Pacific Region teams.

"To be recognized at the national level for their accomplishments is big," Fresno State head coach Linda Garza said. "Each of these players are deserving of their award and Fresno State continues to build and grow top regional and national level student-athletes. I'm incredibly blessed to work with these fantastic young women every day and I'm proud of each of them."

Junior utility/pitcher Savannah McHellon was named to the first team after leading the Bulldogs with 10 home runs and 44 RBIs. Her .571 slugging percentage and 18 extra-base hits ranked second on the team. She has also played the role of the No. 2 pitcher for the Bulldogs, starting 16 games, completing four of them. Notably, McHellon earned the win in the Bulldogs' 6-1 victory over then-No. 25 BYU, throwing seven innings and allowing no runs on three hits and a walk. She finished the season in the circle with a 5-7 record and 4.32 ERA with 46 strikeouts in 79.1 innings pitched. McHellon came to Fresno State as a transfer after spending her freshman year at Georgia and last year at Northwest Florida State College.

"It's great to see Savannah recognized," Garza said. "Having to balance hitting, pitching and defense isn't easy and the numbers she has put up at the plate have helped us all season."

Senior designated player Malia Rivers and sophomore outfielder Morgan Howe were each selected to the second team. Rivers, a 2017 All-Mountain West second-team selection, hit .355 for the Bulldogs this season, second only to Howe's team-leading .438 average. Rivers led the team with 12 stolen bases and is fourth on Fresno State's all-time list with 42 in her career. Howe, an All-MW first-team honoree, also paced the team with a .512 on-base percentage and .639 slugging percentage, adding 15 extra-base hits to her resume. Her .438 batting average currently ranks sixth-best in a single season for a Bulldog.

"Malia played a new role for us all season in the designated player slot and her consistency at the top of the order was a major factor in our ability to score runs," Garza said. "Morgan, hands-down, was our most consistent offensive performer and is having an amazing season. She is very deserving of this honor and her success has helped us all year."

Senior outfielder Kierra Willis and sophomore pitcher Kamalani Dung were named to the third team. Willis, Fresno State's all-time walks leader (127), led the 'Dogs with 37 free passes and six triples this season and was second on the team with 34 runs scored and a .440 on-base percentage. Her 19 career triples rank third in program history. Dung, the 2017 MW Pitcher of the Year and All-MW first-team selection, has led the Bulldog pitching staff all season, going 25-13 with a 2.17 ERA and allowing opposing hitters a .216 average. She amassed 202 strikeouts in 238.1 innings pitched and has thrown eight shutouts this season.

"Kierra was pitched to carefully all season due to her success in 2016 as the Mountain West Player of the Year," Garza said. "She had to redefine success and her eye at the plate to get on base, which makes her unique. She makes opposing pitchers work and when she doesn't walk, she has the ability to drive the ball into the gap. I'm proud of all her accomplishments as a Bulldog.
"Kama stepped up early on for us as the ace in the circle. She was ready to pitch in every game she was called upon and her surge at the end of conference play gave us the chance for postseason. I'm very glad that she is being recognized for her work all year."

The awards honor softball student-athletes from the Association's 10 regions with first, second and third team selections. NFCA member coaches from each respective region voted on the teams, and all the honorees now become eligible for selection to the 2017 NFCA Division I All-American squads.

No. 5 Arizona (West) and No. 11 James Madison (Northeast) were the only programs to have all eight of their nominations gain recognition with the Dukes claiming seven on the first team. No. 1 Minnesota (Great Lakes), No. 2 Florida (Southeast), No. 3 Oregon (Pacific) and No. 6 Oklahoma took home seven accolades apiece. Earning six nods were No. 4 Florida State (Southeast), Fordham (Mid-Atlantic), No. 7 Washington (Pacific), No. 12 Texas A&M (South) and San Diego State (West).

The Dukes led all programs with their seven first-team plaudits, while the Wildcats grabbed six. The Ducks and No. 20 Michigan Wolverines boasted five first-team honors, while the Gophers, Gators and Seminoles garnered four apiece.

Marshall and Illinois State paved the way in the Mideast with four accolades with the Herd earned three first-team selections. Big Ten foes Ohio State and Illinois each had five student-athletes recognized in the Midwest. The Illini totaled three first-team plaudits.

Conference's players and pitcher of the year are added to the third team if they were not already selected to an All-Region team.

The 2017 NFCA Division I All-America teams will be announced at approximately 5 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, May 31, via NFCA.org.

"Just the Ticket to Build Our Community" – The Bulldog Scholarship Fund gives Bulldog alumni, fans and friends the opportunity to support Fresno State Athletics and the student-athletes who inspire them. For information about how you can support the Bulldog Scholarship Fund, please visit www.bulldogscholarshipfund.com or call 559-278-7160.

Fresno State Athletics

Five Bulldogs named to All-Pacific Region teams

Players Mentioned

Kamalani Dung

Morgan Howe

Savannah McHellon

Malia Rivers

Kierra Willis

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