LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Saginaw Valley State University had two players join the 208 student-athletes from 115 programs who were named to the All-Region teams announced by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) on Thursday (May 8) afternoon. Junior Macy Irelan was named to the first team, while sophomore Aalana Kimble made the second team.
Irelan was named the GLIAC Pitcher of the Year as well as a first-team All-GLIAC selection during her debut season with SVSU. She is the second consecutive Cardinal to earn conference pitcher of the year and the third Cardinal pitcher overall to receive the honor. She finished the regular season with a 17-3 record. Irelan became the first Cardinal pitcher to throw two no-hitters in a single season. Her first came in her 15th start against Parkside. She was two walks shy of a perfect game in that contest while striking out seven. The second no-hitter happened just two starts later against Davenport. Irelan was three walks from a perfect game in that contest. The junior from Owosso, Michigan, set a career-high for strikeouts in a game against Findlay with 17, and she has recorded double-digit strikeouts nine times this season.
"Macy is a dominant pitcher, a tremendous competitor, and a leader on our team. Her numbers speak for themselves, being top in the country in several pitching statistics. She has been consistent for us in the circle all year long and is a huge part of our success," said Schalk.
Kimble improved on nearly every single stat category inside the circle this season. She finished the regular season 17-5 with one save and 12 complete games. She pitched 130 innings and struck out 99 hitters with a 5.33 K/7, an ERA of 2.64, and a WHIP that improved to 1.09.
"Aalana has taken a big step forward this year in the circle. She can be impossible to hit at times with her location and movement from the left side," said Schalk. "On top of that, she is one of the top offensive players in the conference as well. She is always on base, doesn't strike out, and scores a ton of runs for us."
NFCA member head coaches from each respective region nominated their student-athletes and voted for the teams. All the honorees are now eligible for selection to the 2025 NFCA Division II All-America squads, which will be announced on Wednesday, May 21, at the NCAA Division II Championship Banquet in Chattanooga, Tennessee.