VALLEY CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Three Valley City State University softball players have been named to the National Fastpitch Coaches Association NAIA All-Region Teams.

Sophomore shortstop Joelle Aiello and junior pitcher Emily Smith were both named 1st Team All-Region IV, while freshman pitcher Emilee Wilson was named 2nd Team.

All-Region players are nominated and selected by NFCA member head coaches in each of the six NAIA regions. 1st Team selections move on to the NFCA All-America ballot.

Valley City State University just wrapped up the best season in school history. The Vikings advanced to the NAIA World Series for the first time since 2006 and finished the season with a program-best 54-5 overall record. VCSU was ranked No. 6 in the final NAIA Top 25 Coaches’ Poll and won the NSAA regular season and tournament championships. The Vikings also won the NAIA Opening Round Championship.

Aiello set new school records for single-season hits (84) and triples (7) this season as she batted .408 in her sophomore year. Aiello scored 63 runs and collected 13 doubles and 25 RBIs. She earned a conference Gold Glove award for her defense at shortstop and was named 1st Team All-Conference. Aiello was also named NFCA All-Region last season.

Smith set a new school record for wins after posting a 33-1 pitching record this season. Smith had a 1.18 ERA and struck out 262 batters in 195.2 innings. At the plate, she batted .398 with 10 doubles and 30 RBIs. Smith was previously named 1st Team All-Conference and the NSAA Pitcher of the Year.

Wilson had a phenomenal freshman season in the circle, finishing the year with a 19-3 pitching record and a 1.40 ERA. She struck out 146 batters in 139.2 innings and allowed just one home run all season. Wilson was also named 1st Team All-Conference and the NSAA Newcomer of the Year.

The NFCA All-America team will be announced June 5 online at NFCA.org.