Record-Tying Eight Sooners Named All-Region

NORMAN — The Oklahoma softball team tied a school record by having all eight of its nominees named to the 2018 National Fastpitch Coaches Association Division I All-Central Regional Team, including four first-team honorees, the NFCA announced Thursday.

Seniors Paige Parker and Nicole Pendley, junior Sydney Romero and freshman Jocelyn Alo were all selected for the All-Region First Team. Juniors Shay Knighten and Caleigh Clifton were placed on the All-Region Second Team, while senior Kelsey Arnold and freshman Nicole Mendes were named to the All-Region Third Team.

This marks the fourth time in five seasons that OU has had eight selections. Oregon is the only other school to have eight All-Region honorees this season. Oklahoma's four first-team players is tied for third in the nation, behind Oregon and UCLA's five apiece.

The awards honor softball student-athletes from the Association's 10 regions with first, second and third teams selected for each region. The all-region teams were voted on by NFCA member coaches from each respective region, and all the honorees now become eligible for selection to one of three 2018 NFCA Division I All-American teams.

The 2016 NFCA Division I All-America teams will be announced at approximately 4 p.m. CT on Wednesday, May 30, via NFCA.org.

The Sooners return to action this weekend as they host Missouri, Tulsa and Boston University in the NCAA Norman Regional at Marita Hynes Field.