(May 11, 2022) Mena, Arkansas – Coming off a 30 win-season and ahead of the Region II Softball Tournament that starts tomorrow in Piedmont, Oklahoma, the Bucks had six athletes named to the All-Region Team or Honorable Mention. The All-Region Team is voted on by the region coaches.
Blaire Gentry (2nd Team All-Region Pitcher) – The Lockesburg, AR native came to UARM, having not pitched much at Ashdown High School. The freshmen right hander sported a 14-9 regular season record with 117 strikeouts and a 3.53 ERA in the circle in 152.2 innings pitched this season. When she was not pitching, she served as the team's Designated Player in most games, hitting .317 on the year with 11 home runs and 37 RBIs. Gentry also hit 9 doubles on the season.
Madelynn Lacaze (2nd Team All-Region Outfield) – The Gladewater, TX native is in her second season at UARM, achieving 1st Team All-Region last season. The sophomore hit .394 on the season, including 8 home runs, 14 doubles, and 2 triples. Lacaze leads the team in RBIs with 49. In the field, she only committed 3 errors on the season and sports a .948 fielding percentage, with 51 put outs and 3 assists.
Kristen McMillan (2nd Team All-Region Infield) – Early in the season, the sophomore was a catcher in some games before landing at short stop for majority of the season. The Winnsboro, TX native had a .919 fielding percentage and turned 7 double plays in the 57-game season. At the plate, she hit .302 on the season with a 1 home run and 12 doubles. She would pick up 21 RBIs and 9 stolen bases on the season. The sophomore is moving on to Hardin-Simmons in Abilene, TX to continue her softball career.
Kaylin McKee (Honorable Mention) – The local athlete from Wickes, AR rotated at second base this season and came on strong late in the Bucks 10-4 run to end region play. She hit a solid .358 average with 6 home runs and 26 RBIs. She also recorded 5 doubles and a triple on the season. In the field, she has a .911 fielding percentage in 123 opportunities.
Abi West (Honorable Mention) – The Concord High School graduate played on the left side of the infield, primarily at third base. The freshmen has a team leading .431 average with 1 home run and 27 RBIs. The left-handed hitting West also recorded 18 doubles and 2 triples on the season. In the field, she recorded a .866 fielding percentage in 149 opportunities.
Presleigh Payne (Honorable Mention) – The Colleyville Heritage graduate only made 5 errors on the season at first base. She tallied a .983 fielding percentage in 294 chances. She also was a part of 13 double plays for the Bucks. At the plate, she hit for a .322 average with 9 home runs and 48 RBIs. The Grapevine, TX native also hit 13 doubles and a triple on the season.
The Bucks begin the Region II Tournament tomorrow evening at Piedmont High School against Rose State College. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 pm.
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