LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The National Fastpitch Coaches Association revealed its 2023 NFCA Division III All-Region teams on Friday, May 19. 373 student-athletes from 174 schools comprise the All-Region teams, including Keegan Piton representing UW-River Falls.

Piton, an All-WIAC First Team shortstop, was selected to the Region VIII Second Team, along with four other fellow WIAC student-athletes. 

Receiving her first career All-Region recognition, Piton is the latest Falcon to earn All-Region laurels, following Johanna Breyen's 2021 All-Region accolade. 

One of five Falcons to start in all 36 games in 2023, Piton led UWRF with a .413 batting average and a 1.061 OPS while starting in all 36 games. She ranked among the top-10 in the WIAC in several offensive categories, including the fifth-most base hits with 50. She closed out the season on an eight-game hitting streak and had 14 mult-hit efforts, including a pair of 4-for-4 performances at the plate.

The awards honor student-athletes from the Association's 10 regions with selection to one of three teams. NFCA member head coaches nominate and then vote for the winners in their respective region.

If they were not already voted to an All-Region squad, conference Players and Pitchers of the Year from member institutions are added to the third team in their region, so long as they are nominated by their member head coach and receive votes.

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.

Celebrating 40 years in 2023, the NFCA (National Fastpitch Coaches Association) is the professional organization for fastpitch softball coaches. Known for its vast library of digital education, the NFCA also educates and supports softball coaches on a variety of different levels: from podcasts to an extensive Awards & Scholarships platform, to NFCA Webinars and a National Convention.