Four Lady Vols Tabbed NFCA Southeast All-Region
May 16, 2024 | Softball
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The National Fastpitch Coaches Association announced its all-region teams on Thursday, with four Lady Vols garnering Southeast All-Region. Payton Gottshall, Kiki Milloy and Karlyn Pickens were named to the first team, while Zaida Puni earned third-team accolades.
The All-Region awards honor softball student-athletes from the NFCA's 10 regions with first, second and third-team selections. NFCA member head coaches from each respective region nominated student-athletes and voted for the teams. All awarded student-athletes now become eligible for the 2024 NFCA Division I All-America squads.
Payton Gottshall • P • Gr. • Massillon, Ohio
One of the best pitchers in the nation, Payton Gottshall holds a 1.25 ERA – ranked eighth best in the nation – with a 19-4 record. The right-hander has tossed seven complete games and two shutouts with 150 strikeouts over 134.0 innings pitched. Gottshall is holding opposing hitters to a .174 batting average.
Kiki Milloy • OF • Gr. • Woodinville, Wash.
Named all-region for the fourth time in her Tennessee career, Kiki Milloy is slashing .355/.697/.464 on the year with 12 doubles, 12 home runs and 29 RBIs. The everyday leadoff hitter has a team-high 59 runs scored and 24 stolen bases. Milloy has set several career marks in her final season on Rocky Top, becoming UT's all-time leader in home runs, runs scored and total bases.
Karlyn Pickens • P • So. • Weaverville, N.C.
Recently named a top 10 finalist for USA Softball National Player of the Year, Karlyn Pickens became Tennessee softball's second player to earn SEC Pitcher of the Year last week. The right-hander holds a 1.26 ERA – ninth best in the nation – with a 19-6 record. Pickens has 186 strikeouts in 156 innings of work this season, holding opposing hitters to a .160 batting average.
Zaida Puni • DP • Sr. • Carson, Calif.
Named all-region for the second time in her career, Zaida Puni has provided the pop in Tennessee's lineup this season. Slashing .277/.577/.409, Puni has 12 home runs and 37 RBIs to go along with 17 runs scored.
Since 1997, the Lady Vols have totaled 88 All-Region selections from 46 different student-athletes.
Tennessee begins NCAA Tournament play at home this weekend, serving as host to the 19th consecutive NCAA Knoxville Regional at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium. The Lady Vols welcome Virginia, Miami (OH) and Dayton for the postseason showcase. The Lady Vols open regional play against the Flyers on Friday at approximately 2:30 p.m. ET.
The All-Region awards honor softball student-athletes from the NFCA's 10 regions with first, second and third-team selections. NFCA member head coaches from each respective region nominated student-athletes and voted for the teams. All awarded student-athletes now become eligible for the 2024 NFCA Division I All-America squads.
Payton Gottshall • P • Gr. • Massillon, Ohio
One of the best pitchers in the nation, Payton Gottshall holds a 1.25 ERA – ranked eighth best in the nation – with a 19-4 record. The right-hander has tossed seven complete games and two shutouts with 150 strikeouts over 134.0 innings pitched. Gottshall is holding opposing hitters to a .174 batting average.
Kiki Milloy • OF • Gr. • Woodinville, Wash.
Named all-region for the fourth time in her Tennessee career, Kiki Milloy is slashing .355/.697/.464 on the year with 12 doubles, 12 home runs and 29 RBIs. The everyday leadoff hitter has a team-high 59 runs scored and 24 stolen bases. Milloy has set several career marks in her final season on Rocky Top, becoming UT's all-time leader in home runs, runs scored and total bases.
Karlyn Pickens • P • So. • Weaverville, N.C.
Recently named a top 10 finalist for USA Softball National Player of the Year, Karlyn Pickens became Tennessee softball's second player to earn SEC Pitcher of the Year last week. The right-hander holds a 1.26 ERA – ninth best in the nation – with a 19-6 record. Pickens has 186 strikeouts in 156 innings of work this season, holding opposing hitters to a .160 batting average.
Zaida Puni • DP • Sr. • Carson, Calif.
Named all-region for the second time in her career, Zaida Puni has provided the pop in Tennessee's lineup this season. Slashing .277/.577/.409, Puni has 12 home runs and 37 RBIs to go along with 17 runs scored.
Since 1997, the Lady Vols have totaled 88 All-Region selections from 46 different student-athletes.
Tennessee begins NCAA Tournament play at home this weekend, serving as host to the 19th consecutive NCAA Knoxville Regional at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium. The Lady Vols welcome Virginia, Miami (OH) and Dayton for the postseason showcase. The Lady Vols open regional play against the Flyers on Friday at approximately 2:30 p.m. ET.
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