LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Bethel University softball team landed three players on the 2023 NFCA All-Region IX Team, announced by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association.
 
Allie Fauth-Kilgore headlines the group becoming the Royals' first-ever five-time All-Region honoree having been named to the second team for the third time in her career.
 
Kayla Simacek earned her third straight first team honoree with Lexi DeBace joining her for the second straight year.
 
Allie Fauth-Kilgore • OF • Gr. • Hutchinson, Minn.
• Five-time honoree – 2018 (2T), 2019 (2T), 2021 (1T), 2022 (3T)
• Hitting .326 for the year appearing in all 39 games for the Royals.
• As the Royals leadoff hitter posts a .396 on-base percentage and .477 slugging percentage.
• Team-leading 35 runs with 43 hits, 11 doubles, three triples and 17 RBIs while drawing 12 walks.
• MIAC-leading 35 stolen bases that ranked 11th nationally.
 
Kayla Simacek • P • Sr. • Hastings, Minn.
• Three-time honoree – 2021 (1T), 2022 (T1)
• Nation's leader in strikeouts with 344, five shy of tying her single-season record.
• Holds a 34-4 record in 38 starts with a 1.02 earned run average.
• In 247.1 innings of work has issued a minimal 22 walks with opponents hitting .170 against her.
 
Lexi DeBace • OF • Gr. • Little Canada, Minn.
• Two-time honoree 2022 (1T)
• Team-leading .375 batting average that is eighth best in the MIAC.
• As the Royals No. 2 hitter, has a .407 on-base percentage and .438 slugging percentage.
• Playing in all 39 games she has a team-leading 48 hits to go on top of 33 runs, 23 RBIs and 13 walks.
• Her 30 stolen bases rank 26th nationally