Loveless, Martinet Named NFCA NAIA All-Region First Team

By Mike DeVader, Reinhardt Director of Athletic Communications & Media

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Shortstop Emily Loveless and designated player Jill Martinet were named to the NAIA Region II First Team by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA), where 144 student-athletes from 64 programs were selected nationwide.

The awards honor softball student-athletes from the Association's six regions with first and second-team selections. NFCA member head coaches from each respective region vote on the teams, and all student-athletes now become eligible for the 2021 NFCA NAIA All-America squads.

To view the 2021 NFCA NAIA All-Region Teams, please click here.

Loveless, who is also one of six finalists for the inaugural 2021 Schutt Sports/NFCA NAIA National Freshman of the Year award, helped Reinhardt to a 42-15 record and an appearance in the NAIA Softball National Championship Opening Round – which was hosted at Ken White Softball Field.

The Rockmart, Ga., native played and started in every game, leading the Eagles in batting with a .428 average. Loveless (12 stolen bases) collected 80 hits and 52 RBIs thanks to 12 homers and 15 doubles. She also scored 62 runs and walked 28 times. 

Martinet connected at the plate to the tune of a .400 clip, second on the squad, as she also started and played in every contest in 2021 for the hometown team. The freshman from Cucamonga, Calif., gathered 76 hits and 49 RBIs with 12 doubles and a half-dozen home runs.

She also crossed home plate 27 times and was issued 15 free passes.

The NFCA NAIA All-America teams will be announced on June 7, while the Schutt Sports/NFCA NAIA National Freshman of the Year will be revealed the next day on June 8.

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For more information on Reinhardt Softball, please click here.