Carbondale Reporter

McKenzie Newcomb and Emma Austin from Southern Illinois University's softball team have been recognized on the 2025 National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) D1 Midwest All-Region teams. Newcomb was named to the Second Team, while Austin secured a spot on the Third Team. This marks their first inclusion in an All-Region team.

Newcomb's performance this spring included a record of 20 wins and 5 losses, with an ERA of 1.81 and a WHIP of 1.05 over 37 appearances, including four starts. She achieved 144 strikeouts and allowed 26 walks across 146.2 innings pitched, also recording two saves, one notably against Missouri on April 9.

Austin concluded the season with a .365 batting average and accumulated 66 hits, ranking third for most hits in a single season in the program's history. The senior outfielder scored 38 runs, maintained an on-base percentage of .408, and led the Missouri Valley Conference with 21 stolen bases.

The Missouri Valley Conference had seven players named to the NFCA D1 Midwest All-Region teams overall. Southern Illinois University had two players featured, second only to Northern Iowa with three players recognized. Missouri State and Illinois State each had one player selected.

Fans can stay updated on Southern Illinois University's softball team by following them on Twitter at @SIU_Softball, Facebook at Facebook.com/SalukiSoftball, Instagram at @SIU_Softball, or by downloading the "Salukis" Mobile App available on both the App Store and Google Play Store.