Craft named NFCA All-Region

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Defiance junior pitcher/utility Anika Craft (Radnor, Ohio/Buckeye Valley) was named Third Team All-Region by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA).

Craft becomes the first Yellow Jacket to be recognized by the NFCA since the trio of Kalin Hubble, Brooke Silcox, and Marissa Roberts were named All-Region in 2022. 

This is the first All-Region selection for Craft who once again had a big year on the mound and in the field. At the plate, she led the team in batting average (.384) and was tied for the team lead in hits with 48. She played in all 39 games, and both the hits and batting average were career highs. She also led the team in wins (7), innings pitched (100.1), and ERA (2.44). The 2.44 ERA was a career low and the 35 earned runs allowed was also a career low. 

Craft was the team's number one pitcher and played all three outfield positions throughout the season. 

On top of this honor, she was also named All-HCAC for the first time in her career as she landed a spot on the Second Team.