UHV softball players named to NFCA All-Region, Daktronics Scholar-Athlete lists

UHV's Cameron Cowan pitches during the NAIA Opening Round against Freed-Hardeman at Oklahoma City University's Ann Lacy Stadium on Monday, May 13, 2024. (Sam Fowler/UHV Athletics)

May 28, 2024

After another banner year, the accolades continue to pour in for the UHV softball team.

Recently, four Jaguars were named to the National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-Region team and four were also named Daktronics NAIA Scholar-Athletes.

Claire Blinka and Cameron Cowan were first team All-Region I selections, while Kaylle Lopez and Kenzie Chambers were second team honorees.

Blinka, a junior from Port Lavaca, was second on the team in batting average and third in slugging percentage at .394 and .584, respectively. Her 49 RBIs were second in the Red River Athletic Conference.

"Blinka is such a force at the plate and came up clutch in so many huge moments for us," said head coach Lindsey Ortiz. "Her RBI production and ability to drive the ball to all fields made her a huge weapon in our arsenal."

Cowan, a senior pitcher from Shiner, closed her collegiate career on a high note, eclipsing the program records in appearances, wins, innings pitched and career strikeouts this season. This season she boasted a 1.73 ERA, which ranked third in the RRAC, with a 16-7 record in the circle. She had a career-high 94 strikeouts this season.

"Cowan's efforts in the circle were unmatched this season," Ortiz said. "Her dedication to her craft and her ability to lead her team were the catalysts for her record-breaking season. She is very deserving of this recognition and has put herself in very elite company within the NAIA."

Lopez, a junior shortstop, was one of the most clutch hitters for the Jaguars (33-14) this season. The Sinton native led the conference in RBIs (56), including a walk-off single in an elimination game against Louisiana Christian in the RRAC Tournament. Lopez also led the team in doubles with 14 while boasting a .353 average.

"I value consistency in my program, and I think Kaylle is an incredible example of consistency," Ortiz said. "She is such a solid defensive shortstop and leads our defense so well, but she also brings an incredibly tough mindset to the plate in every at bat. Her ability to hit situationally and score runs is off the charts."

Chambers, a junior catcher, was UHV's most reliable hitter at the plate in 2024, boasting a .492 average and .538 on-base percentage – marks which both led the team. The Grand Prairie native also led the conference in stolen bases with 49, which set a new single-season record. Behind the plate, she cut down six would-be base stealers.

"Kenzo is so dynamic on both sides of the ball," Ortiz said. "She is passionate and plays the game at max effort every day. She was a terror on the base paths this year and surpassed all of the goals I had for her going into the season."

Blinka, Alana Ortega, Alexi Wade and Allison Snedeker were each honored on the Daktronics NAIA Softball Scholar-Athlete list.

The list, which featured over 1,250 student-athletes across the country, recognizes student-athletes for going above and beyond in the classroom with a 3.5 GPA or better.

"I am so proud of our four Scholar Athletes and their continuing contributions to our program both on the field and in the classroom," Ortiz said. "Meeting the standards of this award requires incredible effort and I am thrilled to see that effort recognized on a national stage."

The Jaguars closed their season in the NAIA Opening Round, marking their ninth appearance in the NAIA Tournament since the program's inception in 2008.