LOUISVILLE, KY – Sophomore pitcher Alyssa Irons and freshman outfielder Lindsey Baron of the Monmouth University softball team were both named to the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Third Team All-Region, the organization announced Thursday morning.

The awards honor softball student-athletes from the Association's 10 regions with first, second and third-team selections. NFCA member coaches from each respective region voted on the teams, and all the honorees now become eligible for selection to the 2018 NFCA Division I All-American squads.

"I'm incredibly proud of both Alyssa and Lindsey," said Monmouth head coach Shannon Salsburg. "This recognition is a testament to their hard work and dedication. They were both able to put together excellent seasons. To get two people selected once again in such a tough region, including Big Ten-heavy, it shows the growth of our program. Any time we have an athlete recognized, we're firm believers that it is a team award. It's an exciting time for us as we get set to compete in our second straight NCAA Regionals."

Irons shattered a program record for wins in a season with 30, passing Donna Witt who had 22 in 1995. The righty was named MAAC Pitcher of the Year, unanimous All-MAAC First Team and MAAC Championships MVP. For a single season, Irons ranks first in program history for wins (30), first with 35 starts, first with 257.1 innings pitched, and second with 225 strikeouts. She was named MAAC Pitcher of the Week six times during the year, and pitched the program's first perfect game since 2006 against Niagara in March.

Baron was named MAAC Co-Rookie of the Year and leads the team in home runs (12), doubles (21), runs (51), and total bases (121). She broke the program record for doubles in a season, which was held by Heather Gordon in 2007 with 17. Baron was also named to the All-MAAC First Team following the regular season. Her 12 homers rank t-3^rd all-time for a single season, while her 51 runs also rank t-3^rd for a single season.

This is the second straight year that Monmouth has put two student-athletes on an All-Region Team, as Katie Baron was named to the First Team and Amanda Riley was named to the Second Team in 2018.

After winning its second consecutive MAAC Championship, Monmouth will face #10 LSU in the NCAA Regionals tomorrow. First pitch is scheduled for 5:30 PM EST, and the game will be aired on ESPN3.