MSU SOFTBALL: Spartans Place Zalewski, Wood on NFCA All-Region Team

Redshirt sophomore pitcherKristina Zalewski(Ann Arbor, Mich.) and freshman outfielderCeleste Wood(Hacienda Heights, Calif.) have earned spots on the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) All-Great Lakes Region Third Team, as announced by the NFCA on Thursday morning.

Michigan State has two selections to the All-Region team for the first time since 2011 (Lindsey HansenandBrett Williams).

Complete List of NFCA All-Region Teams: https://nfca.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6938:nfca-announces-385-student-athletes-receive-2016-division-i-all-region-honors&catid=109&Itemid=149

"These are two players who are absolutely deserving of All-Region honors," said head coachJacquie Joseph. "Kristina Zalewskiis developing into a force to be reckoned with every single time she's in the circle, and she has shown such incredible growth over the last two seasons. She's developed into our ace and our steadying force, and with complete games in her last five starts, her value to our team goes beyond words.Celeste Woodis spectacularly talented and certainly made her mark as a first-year player in our league. She put up veteran-type numbers against a schedule that was challenging, and her athleticism helps bring multiple weapons into our lineup both offensively and defensively. "

Zalewski became just the fourth pitcher in school history to surpass 200 strikeouts in a season, posting 209 K's (third, B1G) in 205.1 innings (fourth, B1G), good for fourth-best single-season total in the MSU record book. She tossed 17 complete games, including five consecutive to end the season, and in a Big Ten-best 44 appearances, she finished with a 3.41 ERA, 15-15 record, and four saves -- all career highs.

Wood had an impressive collegiate debut, posting a team-best .372 batting average, which ranks 12th in a season in the MSU annals. She finished with a team-best 40 RBI on 61 base-knocks, which included 17 extra base hits: 11 doubles, one triple, and six home runs. She also ranked second on the team with 11 stolen bases, and started 52 of 54 games on the season, the majority in right field.

Michigan State completed its season with a 27-28 overall record, and owned a strength of schedule of No. 36 in its pre-Big Ten Conference games. The Spartans lose three seniors to graduation, and expect to return 15 letterwinners in 2017.

First Team

Pitcher-Megan Betsa, Michigan
Pitcher-Sara Driesenga,Michigan
Catcher-Emily Naegele, Northern Illinois
First Base -Tera Blanco, of Michigan
Second Base -Sierra Romero Michigan
Third Base-Sam Macken Minnesota
Shortstop -Andrea Filler, Northwestern
Outfield-Sierra Lawrence, Michigan
Outfield-Macy Jones, Penn State
Outfield-Kelsey Susalla, Michigan
Utility/Pitcher-Sara Groenewegen, Minnesota
DP or Utility/Non-Pitcher-Sydney Dwyer, Minnesota

Second Team

Pitcher -Elaine Heflin, Illinois Chicago
Pitcher-Taylor-Paige Stewart, Wisconsin, Madison
Catcher -Taylor LeMay, Minnesota
First Base -Kayti Grable, Northern Illinois
Second Base -Stephanie Huang, Rutgers
Third Base -Kelsey Jenkins, Wisconsin
Shortstop-Abby Ramirez, Michigan
Outfield-Michelle Kriegshauser, Eastern Michigan
Outfield -Chloe Miller, Wisconsin
Outfield-Sabrina Rabin, Northwestern
Utility/Pitcher -Amy Letourneau, Northwestern

DP or Utility/Non-Pitcher- Madison Lee, Ball State

Third Team

Pitcher-Kristina Zalewski, Michigan State
Pitcher-Alex Frenz, Northern Illinois
Pitcher -Nicole Steinbach, Ball State
Catcher -Aidan Falk, Michigan
First Base-Maddie Houlihan , Minnesota
Second Base-Danielle Parlich, Minnesota
Third Base -Morgan Nelson, Northwestern
Shortstop-Jordan Seneca, Saint Francis (Pa.)
Outfield-Lindsey Silfer, Canisius College
Outfield -Lexi Knief, Penn State
Outfield -Celeste Wood, Michigan State
Utility/Pitcher -Morgan Maize, DePaul
DP or Utility/Non-Pitcher -Savannah Warren, St. John's (New York)