Ehlers, Luderman earn spots on all-region team
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Alexis Ehlers and Maddie Luderman of the Simpson College softball team were named to all-region teams, as announced by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association on Friday.
In total, 373 student-athletes from 174 schools comprised the 2023 NFCA Division III All-Region teams. Simpson's region, Region IX, had 36 athletes among the three teams, with 14 coming from the American Rivers Conference. The duo continue to take in the postseason honors for the Storm, as both players were named to Academic All-District and All-A-R-C teams earlier in the week.
Ehlers was named to the first team after a breakout year at the plate, combined with solid defense. The sophomore shortstop led the Storm in batting average with a .419 clip, hitting nine home runs and driving in 40 RBIs. An All-A-R-C Second Team selection, Ehlers appeared in all 40 games for the Storm, ranking in the top three in the conference in six different individual offensive categories. Ehlers also was involved in turning a conference-best eight double plays on the year. The Bryant, Iowa native won her first career A-R-C Player of the Week award, after a six-game stretch that included batting .550 over 20 plate appearances to go along with three home runs and eight RBIs.
Luderman earns her second straight appearance on an all-region team, being placed on the third team. An all-region first team pick a year ago, Luderman's numbers at the plate this season were spectacular. The senior catcher batted .395 with a conference-leading slugging percentage of .791. The Bellevue, Neb. native hit 12 home runs and drove in 45 RBIs, tied for the conference lead in each. The 45 RBIs also tie the single-season Storm record. Luderman is also a force defensively, as she was tough to run on, throwing out 17 runners attempting to steal to also lead the conference.
All honorees move forward to be considered for selection for the three NFCA Division III All-America squads, which will be announced May 31 online and on-site at the NCAA Division III Finals banquet in Marshall, Texas. The full all-region teams may be viewed by clicking HERE.
