Softball: Dalton and Ellyson Represent Ragin’ Cajuns on All-Region Team

Sophomore duo selected to the NFCA All-Central Region Team; now eligible for All-America

2018 NFCA All-Central Region Team 

LAFAYETTE – 21st-ranked Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Softball had two student-athletes named to the 2018 National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Division I All-Central Region Team.
 
Alissa Dalton and Summer Ellyson were each chosen to represent Louisiana. Dalton was selected to the NFCA All-Central Region First Team and Ellyson was a second team selection.
 
The all-region awards honor softball student-athletes from the NFCA’s 10 regions with first, second team and selections. NFCA member coaches from each respective region voted on the teams.
 
Both of the Ragin’ Cajuns honorees now become eligible for selection to the 2018 NFCA Division I All-American squads. The All-America teams will be announced at 4 p.m. (CDT) on Wednesday, May 30.
 
The sophomore tandem’s selection marks the 31st consecutive year a Ragin’ Cajun received all-region accolades. For the 11th consecutive year, Louisiana had multiple honorees. It’s the first career honor for both Dalton and Ellyson.
 
Dalton, a First Team All-Sun Belt selection and the league’s Newcomer of the Year, ranks Top 15 nationally among the toughest to strikeout (only five in 198 plate appearances) and has provided a strong glove at shortstop with only eight errors in 169 chances. She’s had a hit in 38 of 52 games with her 68 hits ranking Top 60 nationally.
 
Ellyson, who enters the NCAA Tournament with a 21-8 record and 1.43 ERA, has been at her best down the stretch. Since April 15, the First Team All-Sun Belt performer has worked 84-1/3 innings and surrendered just 12 earned runs (1.00 ERA), 54 hits and limited foes to a .177 average. Nationally she ranks Top 30 in ERA and fewest hits allowed, Top 40 in wins and Top 50 in strikeouts.
 
No. 21 Louisiana (38-14) is set to make its 20th consecutive appearance, and 28th overall in the past 29 seasons, in the NCAA Tournament Friday-Sunday, May 18-20 at the Baton Rouge Regional. The Ragin’ Cajuns face Houston (36-20) in the opening round at 3 p.m. on Friday live on ESPN3 at Tiger Park.
 
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